‘Comedy of Errors’ is a Stress-Free Way to Sample Shakespeare

By Sandi Masori 

SAN DIEGO — Now playing at The Old Globe, The Comedy of Errors really emphasizes the comedy.  Set in the 1990s, but mostly staying true to the Bard’s words, this quirky rendition will make you giggle along, even if you’re not usually into Shakespeare.

Anyone who was around in the ’90s will have fun playing “name that tune” with the upbeat soundtrack that features bits of some of the hottest tunes of the day. I always appreciate the humor and anachronistic touches that The Globe injects into its Shakespeare shows, and director James Vásquez did not disappoint.

The tale, as the name suggests, is a celebration of confusion and chaos.  Antipholus of Syracuse (Brandon Michael Hall) and his servant Dromio (Will Blum) somehow find themselves in Ephesus where they are mistaken for their own long-lost twin brothers, Antipholus of Ephesus (Joshua Echebiri) and Dromio (Daniel Petzold), because, of course, all long-lost twins are given the same names.

Antipholus of Syracuse is mistakenly sent home to his brother’s home where his wife Adriana (Sarah Stiles) is upset that he won’t pay her the attention a man should give his wife.  In the meantime, her sister Luciana (Heather Velazquez) has caught his eye, and he attempts to woo her while claiming to be a single man.

The other Antipholus meanwhile tries to come home and finds the door locked against him.  Throw in a missing gold necklace, a bag of money, and a ring and hilarity ensues.

Though the actors were not actual twins, through the identical costuming and similar looks, it was at times as confusing for the audience to figure out who was who as it was for the hapless characters, keeping us on our toes and alert.

The set is minimal, making use of the permanent structures on the Old Globe Shakespeare stage, some small pieces of furniture brought on and off as needed, and the flamboyant ’90s costuming, and small hand props. I think the costume designer (Amanda Vander Byl) must have had a lot of fun with this one.

I especially liked the Dromios, though I had trouble telling them apart, both are really good at delivering their lines without it feeling like they’re “doing Shakespeare,” which is what I’m always looking for when I’m watching one of the Bard’s plays. Too many actors get caught up in the language, and aren’t able to make it feel natural, so I always appreciate the ones who can make it feel contemporary in spite of the iambic pentameter. Shoutouts also go to Danny Adams as Angelo the goldsmith and Lisa VillaMil as Courtesan, both of whose performances felt fun and fresh.

If you are wary of Shakespeare, the performances at the Globe are a great way to dip your toe in the water.  With their anachronistic touches and interesting takes, it’s a low-risk way to participate in the 400-year old tradition without getting mired in the language or a show that takes itself too seriously.

The Comedy of Errors plays at the Globe through August 24.

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Associate Editor Sandi Masori is a theater and restaurant reviewer for San Diego Jewish World