Comedy of Errors, The

Everybody is right! No, everybody is wrong!

Confusion reigns in William Shakespeare's first comedy, A Comedy of Errors. The New York-based Aquila Theater Company's version, created by Peter Meineck and Robert Richmond, gives new meaning to this hilarious amusement. Producer Meineck also created the effective and moody lighting, with director Richmond designing the production.

Anthony Cochrane's score sets the stage, at times simply underscoring the events and elsewhere commanding the action. Director Richmond includes music and dance extensively, creating an hilarious slapstick rendition of the classic. This Comedy of Errors is very physical, appearing to damage male body parts with abandon. There is also a sensuality in this production that further defines the female roles.

Dancing. Singing. Shakespeare's words spoken classically in a 1920's Turkish setting, which itself, helps define the action. The introductory marionette theater becomes a vendor's stall. Upstage are three colorful tents representing a bordello, an Abbey, and the house of Antipholus of Ephesus, one of the two brothers. Living there are his wife Adriana, her sister Luciana, and Dromio of Ephesus, his servant.

Opening in a live marionette stage, the story is set. Egeon's wife has identical twin sons. They buy a set of identical twin boys to serve their sons. On a voyage, the ship sinks and the children are separated, one son and one servant together. (All of this is done in mime.) The comedy of errors begins when the other set of identical brothers, Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse, enters. There is a waltz, a belly dance, romances -- all the things of life. This Comedy of Errors is complex in that we think we know what's going on, but perhaps not. The small, strong cast play 15 roles. The leads, the Butelli and Willis brothers, are a delight. Lisa Carter, as Adriana, is both charming and shrewish. Lindsay Rae Taylor, Adriana's sister Luciana, dressed as a school girl, is delightful. Supporting players defined their various roles clearly. It is obvious that the cast enjoy the production as well as each other, which makes this Comedy of Errors fast-moving, exciting, colorful and charming.

The pace moves from frenetic to moments played in slow motion. Be not deceived by a program that teases and tests the audience. Be not deceived by what looks like a curtain call but isn't quite. Be ready to laugh and be a wee bit confused -- as are the characters in the play. Don't miss it.