Reviewed by Sam Schwartzkopf
To the average teenager, Shakespearean comedies may be funny, but the true comedic value can get lost in translation from Elizabethan-era slang to the jargon of today’s young culture. The Comedy of Errors, though, presented by Richmond Shakespeare at Agecroft Hall, exemplifies the well-rounded Bard at his best. With a strong cast and standout performances from Molly Hood as Adriana and John Mincks and James Murphy as the Dromios, Richmond Shakespeare’s production of The Comedy of Errors employs a reasonable amount of age-appropriate, slap-stick comedy. The most amusing jokes, however, tend to be the flawlessly delivered one-liners, discernable even to the least Shakespeare-literate member of the audience.
Honestly, I was worried that the speed of live Shakespeare would leave me confused and a little disinterested in the performance.Despite the intricate and intentionally convoluted plot of the play, however, it was easy for the audience to follow along. The company succeeded in communicating the fanciful, poetic language of Shakespeare with an effectively modern twist. While the actors wore traditional Elizabethan dress, the punch lines were delivered with such relatability that I had to remind myself that the play is set in the late sixteenth century.
If you’re planning to bring restless children (or restless adults), to the play, worry not, as it’s one of Shakespeare’s shortest but still one of his most enthralling. If you’re looking for a way to bring some culture to a summer’s evening while not burdening your purse nor straining your brain, head to Agecroft Hall and enjoy the silly slapstick, witty puns, and hilarious misconceptions that are all a part of Richmond Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors.
The Comedy of Errors runs through July 7 at Agecroft Hall during the acclaimed Richmond Shakespeare Festival. Tickets are general admission with stadium seating. Othello opens July 11 and runs through August 4. Richmond Shakespeare
