Humorous ‘Comedy of Errors’ Takes The Stage July 14

By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • July 8, 2022 1:30 am
Kelley Balcomb-Bartok/staff photo Cast and crew of Island Stage Left’s ‘Comedy of Errors’ prepare to take the stage July 14, in a farcical Shakespearean comedy about two sets of identical twins separated at an early age that later in life are mistaken for their twins, with hilarious results. Comedy of Errors runs 8 pm. Thursdays to Sundays, July 14 to August 14. Visit islandstageleft.org for more information.
Kelley Balcomb-Bartok/staff photo Cast and crew of Island Stage Left’s ‘Comedy of Errors’ prepare to take the stage July 14, in a farcical Shakespearean comedy about two sets of identical twins separated at an early age that later in life are mistaken for their twins, with hilarious results. Comedy of Errors runs 8 pm. Thursdays to Sundays, July 14 to August 14. Visit islandstageleft.org for more information.

Island Stage Left’s cast and crew of “Comedy of Errors” are actively rehearsing daily in preparation to take the stage July 14 in the local theatrical company’s latest Shakespearean production. The show is produced and directed by Helen Machin-Smith, with Assistant Director Georgia Smith, Stage Manager Steven Judson, and Assistant Stage Manager Jamie Scott rounding out the directorial and stage production staff.

“Comedy of Errors,” one of William Shakespeare’s early plays, is a slapstick farcical comedy about mistaken identity, filled with puns and wordplay that is sure to please. This Stage Left production incorporates contemporary music and energetic dancing into the production, making for an especially entertaining adaption of the timeless classic.

The play is set in the city of Ephesus, and centers around two sets of identical twin brothers that are separated as babies following a shipwreck. Two of the boys were born to a Syracusan merchant named Egeon, who purchased a second set of identical twin brothers both named Dromio as servants to his two sons. During the shipwreck, Egeon loses his wife, one of his sons and one of the servant boys in the storm at sea.

Growing up separated but with their faithful Dromios by their sides, the two merchant sons and their servants eventually both settle in Ephesus after searching in vain for many years for their identical twins. Unbeknownst to each other, the two sets of twins and servants begin to encounter strange and puzzling interactions with the local residents, as townspeople mistake the identity of the paired twins for the other. Hilarity ensues.

The Stage Left production of “Comedy of Errors” includes both incredibly gifted local talent and professional actors, bringing to the stage an entertaining and amusing production. The “Comedy of Errors”cast includes Daniel Mayes as Egeon and Dr. Pinch; Kerry Skalsky as Duke Solinas and Balthazar; Patti Bair as Officer and Luce; Dorian Oliver as Jailer and 2nd Merchant; Timothy Hyland as Antipholus S and E; Benjamin Nickols as Dromio S and E; Tracy Hyland as Adriana; Marianna DeFazio as Luciana; Alan Geddes as Angelo and 1st Merchant; Adrian Kilpatrick as Dromio E double; Scott George as Antipholus E double; Gus Hyland as Messenger; and Eleanor Moseley as Courtesan and Abbess.

The talented folks behind the scenes helping bring this production of “Comedy of Errors” to life include: Susan Williams, set designs; Steven Judson, lighting and sound; Susan Williams and Helen Machin-Smith, costumes; Peter Kilpatrick, master set builder; Christopher Pope, Tom Cowell, and Adrian Kilpatrick, carpenters; Susan Williams, Betsy Pope, and Sandy May, scenic artists; Susan Williams, Sandy May, Betsy Pope, Sandy Rabinowitz, Thom Pence, and Helen Machin-Smith, painters; Jamie Scott, propmaster; Cathryn Campbell, rehearsal prompter; Helen Machin-Smith and Georgia Smith, music; Manon Gimlett, singing coach; Tom Henry, guitar accompaniment; and housing hosts Doug Popham, Tina Fischer and Bruce Robinson, Elise Jensen, Helen Machin-Smith and Daniel Mayes.

Stage Left “Comedy of Errors” performances will run 8 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays, July 14 to August 14, with no performance July 23. Admission is free, donations appreciated, and no latecomers. Stage Left encourages audience members to arrive early, bring a blanket and dress warmly. Call 360-378-5649 for Covid requirement updates. Island Stage Left is located at 1062 Wold Road, San Juan Island. Visit islandstageleft.org for more information.