Bros, mixing it up: The Comedy of Errors

The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare’s most silly, simplistic plays, a clumsy comedy that was one of the Bard’s very first efforts. Since the story is so basic—twins separated at birth face mistaken identities as adults, it’s also one of the easiest and most common for theater companies to liven up by adapting it to different times and places.

This year, the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival places The Comedy of Errors in Turkey, 150 years ago, which gives them opportunities to add belly dancers, ethnic music, magic tricks and colorful costumes. In fact, in addition to a hardworking, fun cast and co-directors, best of show goes to Nicole Sivell for her wildly imaginative and colorful costumes, each one a delight, including impressive oversized hats for the more comedic roles and beautifully rendered outfits for the main characters.

The basic story involves twin babies who get separated during a sea storm, and years later end up in the same town. Of course, madcap high jinks ensue when people mistake each of them for the other. The cast is having a blast, though the pacing in the first half is hampered by trying to incorporate too many added elements. The rhythm and action pick up during the second half, especially the twin meet-up comedy routine cleverly designed by co-directors David Harris and George Schau, which showcases the play’s very funny scene stealer Tara Henry.

While The Comedy of Errors is very accessible because of its simplicity, the language can make it a bit confusing for children and teens—best to review the basic story before attending.