Chaos due to mistaken identity
Directed by Jimmy Shields, Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, opened this past weekend at Seattle Center. First performed on the Feast of Holy Innocents ( December 28th) in 1594, at the Hall of Gray’s Inn, one of the inns of court, in 1594, it has been adapted many times into plays, musicals and opera.
The play involves a case of mistaken identity as two sets of identical twins, separated long before adulthood, due to a shipwreck, accidently end up in the same city and chaos ensues.
The director was able to assemble a cast of talented actors, especially Ayo Tushinde as both Antipholuses, Gloria Alcalà as Dromio, Brandi Birdsong as Adriana and Kathy Hsieh as Egeon and other parts; however Shields directed the actors to play everything for laughs so most of the comedy fell flat. At times, the actors ended up shouting at each other, and their excessive, random gesticulating was distracting. Also the double casting confused the already confusing plot.
The set was outstanding, it was visually appealing, while technically it served the production well. At first glance, the colors and the plants, indicated that the play was set in a hot climate such as the Mediterranean. It also allowed all the numerous scene changes and entrances, and in this case non-entrances, to be executed seamlessly.
Perhaps the biggest weakness of this play was that the costuming did not facilitate the double/triple casting and added to the confusion. The vibrant colors of the costumes clashed with the muted subtle tones of the set.
Since I have seen some outstanding shows at SSC, I was extremely disappointed. I noticed that there was very little laughter in the audience.
Comedy of Errors, Seattle Shakespeare Company, Center House Theatre, Seattle Center,305 Harrison, Seattle, 98109 Wed to Sat 7:30 pm. Sat & Sun matinée 2pm til Jan 28.
Tickets: https://seattleshakespeare.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0S8Z00000EW6ulUAD
N.B. Masks required at some performances see website: www.seattleshakespeare.org
Transportation: #8 Bus to Pacific Science Center. #5 Bus from Downtown. Light Rail to Westlake Station and Monorail. Very limited Street Parking. Expensive Parking garage on Mercer.