Reviewed by Julyza Commodore
The Actors Gang/Culver City Media Park
Thru August 25th
RECOMMENDED
Much of the comedy in Shakespeare’s farce, The Comedy of Errors, comes from the puns, slapstick and mistaken identities. The Actors’ Gang’s adaptation, The Comedy of Arrs, is set in Culver City and, while still dealing with mistaken identities, it features pirates, mermaids, jellyfish and other undersea creatures. The story opens with some backstory on how the two sets of twins were separated. We then learn that Egeon (Adam Dugas) needs his twin sons to retrieve 1,000 gold coins. When the two brothers journey off, chaos ensues and soon they learn about the error of their mistaken identity. The two sets of twins that are experiencing this mayhem are Dromio of the City of Culver (Jimmy Berry), Dromio of Arrlington (Luis Quintana), Antipholus of the City of Culver (Megan Stogner) and Antipholus of Arrlington (Willa Fossum).
Written by Rynn Vogel and directed by Adam J. Jefferis, this adaptation is so fun and enjoyable as it not only includes undersea creatures, but also upbeat ’80s music and dance numbers. The performance being outside in close proximity to the audience further enlivens the experience. It is also an interactive experience with the audience. Each performer exudes fantastic energy as well as clarity when they speak.
What really stands out about this production is how it is tailored towards children, yet all ages truly can enjoy it as a delightfully entertaining treat from beginning to end.
The Actors’ Gang/Culver City Media Park 9091 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232, Saturday and Sundays at 11am thru August 25th.
