“The Comedy of Errors” will never not be hilarious.
Pair that with a warm summer evening in Riverside park with some brought-from-home snacks, cold drinks and a little treat from an ice cream truck and you’ve got yourself the perfect date.
The Indianapolis Shakespeare Company production of “Comedy of Errors” is onstage at the Taggart Memorial Amphitheater in Riverside Park now through Aug. 2. The production, with Act A Foo Improv Crew, takes one of William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy plays and gives it an unexpected but delightful twist.
“The Comedy of Errors” is a fun little treat for Hoosiers to enjoy during the tail end of summer — or what some have referred to as “Shakespeare in the Park season.” The show is one of Shakespeare’s shortest and earliest works, but it remains timelessly silly.
The story follows two sets of identical twins, separated at birth, that accidentally end up in the same city — or in this case, beach. Indy Shakes’ production offers audiences the same case of mistaken identity alongside slapstick humor, spousal chaos, wrongful arrests and so, so much running all on the shores of Daytona Beach circa 1980.
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The story is semi-narrated by Eageon (Zach Neiditch), a merchant from Venice Beach and the twins’ father, who has shown up on the shores of Daytona Beach with no way to pay his ransom. Unfortunate but hilarious circumstances allow him to tell the story of how the twins became separated.
There’s a lot of running, a shipwreck, generalized confusion and beach balls. It’s Shakespeare, hang with me.
Soon, however, the story shifts and we begin following the insanely convoluted tale of Antipholous of Venice (Andrew Martin) his servant, Dromio of Venice (Hannah Boswell) who have traveled from Venice Beach to Daytona Beach to find their long lost twin brothers Antipholous of Daytona Beach (Carlos Medina Maldonado) and his servant Dromio of Daytona (Kelsey VanVoorst).
Though the characters are identical twins, none of the actors are, which leads to plenty of mayhem, word play and verbal banter, sometimes physical altercations and simply absurd situations.
Casting Shakespeare isn’t easy, especially when there’s an unusual or modern twist on it, but Indy Shakes puts on some of the most incredible productions I’ve ever seen. If I had to award my favorite performance of the night, it was definitely a tie between the Dromios and watching Luce (Cynthia Collins) waddle around on stage screaming after her husband. Well done, I almost peed laughing.
However, The Officer (Daniel A. Martin), Balthazar (Ennis Adams) and Duke Solinus (Joshua Owens) — all members of Act A Foo Improv Crew — contributed to some truly inspired laughs of the evening during unscripted moments I’m sure differ between each production. I was laughing so hard I barely even noticed the mosquitos — if you go, take bug spray!
Like I mentioned earlier, “Comedy of Errors” takes place on Daytona Beach in the 1980s, so picture sun-bleached cabanas, vibrant outfits, confusing footwear, an outside bar and improper use of sunscreen, red solo cups and towels. It’s unique and bodes well with the summer heat blanketing Indianapolis.
Act II is lit by the golden glow of the setting sun, and after the sun sets during intermission, the stage becomes awash in the most beautiful display of colored lights. It’s a magical setting, and photos just don’t do it justice.
I love physical comedy and “Comedy of Errors” doesn’t disappoint. Kudos to everyone for how much running around was happening on and offstage given the corn sweat heat wave we’re experiencing. However, many characters often stopped at the onstage bar to get a drink — well, everyone except for Dromio of Venice — so if you go, remember to stay hydrated between laughs.
Another thing I love about theatre in the park is how accessible it is. Not only is “Comedy of Errors” free to attend, but it’s incredibly easy to hear and see everything from wherever you are in the amphitheater. There are options to sit close to the stage on beach blankets or chairs, or further back in the amphitheater rows in lawn chairs. Guests can BYO food and drinks or purchase some snacks, soda and ice cream from the Indy Shakes tent.
Even the sound design is comical in its own way, incorporating the loudest microphone settings I’ve ever heard (even my legally deaf father could hear every joke) and a blend of snazzy music and sound effects from the interactive live band.
The show is suitable for most audience members, but it is Shakespeare, so it does feature mild suggested violence, creative insults and strong language.
“Comedy of Errors” is onstage at the Taggart Memorial Amphitheatre in Riverside Park, 1856 Burdsal Pkwy, now through Aug. 2. Doors open at 7 p.m. The show starts at 8 p.m. and is approximately two hours with a brief intermission. The show is free to attend. Find tickets and more information, visit indyshakes.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
