Shakespeare’s comedies often thrive on confusion, and Comedy of Errors may be the most confusing of the lot. This mistaken identity farce follows two sets of identical twins through the streets of Ephesus, and yes, hijinks ensue.
Antipholus (Brandon Micheal Hall) and his servant Dromio (Will Blum) of Syracuse have come to Ephesus where, unknown to them Antipholus (Joshua Echebiri) and Dromio (Daniel Petzold) of Ephesus reside. Why do the twins have the same names? It’s Shakespeare, just roll with it.
Not surprisingly, the Syracusan interlopers are often mistaken for their Ephesian twins. Even Antipholus’s wife, Adriana (Sarah Stiles), mistakes the Syracusan facsimile for her own husband, which both confuses the visitor and angers the husband.
This all gets worked out in the end, but it’s a fun ride and the Globe does a really nice job. The show is set in 1990s Ephesus, which gives director James Vásquez a lot of cool elements to work with. The music, in particular, elevates the production, featuring vintage 90s tunes – from pop to hip hop to progressive rock. There are also several television references, including Beavis and Butthead and Law & Order. If you’re fond of the 90s, this is your jam.
This integration of late 16th century drama with late 20th century pop culture works surprisingly well, though purists may feel a little put out hearing Shakespeare side-by-side with Mike Judge. The costumes come along as well, with Angelo the goldsmith (Danny Adams), for example, sporting an amusing Leisure Suit Larry outfit.
The interactions between the Dromios and the Antipholi are fun and fast-paced. In addition, Sarah Stiles lights up the stage as Antipholus of Ephesus’s scorned (and scornful) wife.
This is a really fun show, and the Globe’s puckish take works on virtually every level. Plus, at 90 minutes with no intermission, it’s easy access Shakespeare.
