By D. A. Blackburn
Sitting for the Michigan Shakespeare Festival's production of "The Comedy of Errors," one is immediately struck by Jeromy Hopgood's sets. The impression they leave is that of a church's Easter pageant — of flat desert tones, oddly mixed architectural styles, and a quality of construction scarcely better than cardboard. They are hardly an inspiring sight, and certainly not what one might expect from a festival of this caliber.
The play's opening moments do little to bolster confidence in the production — a vivid string of pantomime performances with an overly-animated quality, and a variety of modern props juxtaposed against more traditional costumes. This flighty first scene is funny — even if only because it's such a jarring affront to expectations. It's also a prelude of things to come.
In a nutshell, "The Comedy of Errors" is a tale of two pair of twin brothers, divided in youth. In the course of rediscovering each other, a series of mistaken identities, miscommunications and misfortunes befall all four. Chaos and hilarity ensue. But in the end, as is the norm in Shakespearean comedy, all is revealed, and happiness and romance triumph.
True to form, it is a far-flung story, full of beautiful language and clever word play. But directed by Kevin Theis, the MSF's production — albeit a unique and inventive take on the work — suffers from a single significant flaw from which lesser issues emanate. Theis has given the work such a brisk pacing that it runs rough-shod over the charm, nuance and humor of the Bard's writing. In fact, it has such a rapid cadence that opening night, few performers made it the duration without tripping over their lines and becoming noticeably tongue-tied on occasion. Much of the work's inherent humor is lost in the fray.
To compensate, the director has developed a confused concept for the work, infusing it with modern touches in dialogue, properties and character persona — Antipholus and Dromio (of Syracuse) execute a Vaudeville dance number, the Second Merchant is a Mafioso with a New York accent, a tirade by Dromio (of Ephesus) concludes with an Oscar-esque award speech and the Abbess is surprisingly reminiscent of Mother Superior in "The Blues Brothers."
While much of this does generate laughs, and also, while there's nothing wrong with manipulating a work to fulfill directorial vision, the elements of this production simply don't integrate smoothly. In the most basic of terms, modern catch phrases — "thank you Captain Obvious" — don't fit nicely into the rhythmic musical tone of Shakespeare's eloquence.
That's not to say that there isn't some fine material within the production. As Dromio (of Syracuse), Jude Willis delivers a hysterical description of his twin brother's wife. And, both he and Brandon St. Clair Saunders (Dromio of Ephesus) provide some fine physical comedy. Maggie Kettering plays Adriana (wife of Antipholus) as a charmingly cruel shrew. As Luciana, Amanda Reader has a wonderful moment describing her seduction by Antipholus (of Syracuse) who she's mistaken for her brother-in-law, Antipholus (of Ephesus). But these fleeting moments of superb acting aren't enough to keep the work in clear focus.
Another high point for the work is its expansive sound design (Kate Hopgood), which swings from music to fog horns and rim shots with an execution most any theater could envy.
In the end, this production of "The Comedy of Errors" feels like Shakespeare-lite — a children's production masquerading as comedy for the masses. It's inventive. It's unique. But something's been lost in the whirlwind journey from curtain up to curtain call.
REVIEW:
'The Comedy of Errors'
Michigan Shakespeare Festival at the Michael Baughman Theatre on the campus of Jackson Community College, 2111 Emmons Rd., Jackson. Plays in repertory through Aug. 7. $15-$35. 517-998-3673. http://www.michiganshakespearefestival.com
