The Servant of Two Masters

The Servant of Two Masters

Theatre for a New Audience

Polonsky Shakespeare Center

November 11, 2016

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Theatre for a New Audience’s production of The Servant of Two Masters is pure gold.  Director Christopher Bayes brings energy and magic to this commedia dell’arte classic.  The cast pops every punchline and physicalizes the distinctive style of the period.  The production is bawdy, fast paced, and heartwarming.

Truffalino (played by Steven Epp) finds himself in the service to two masters.  The first, Beatrice (played by Liz Wisan), is disguised as her deceased brother to redeem the promissory notes from his business partner, Pantalone (played by Allen Gilmore).  The second, Florindo (played by Orlando Pabotoy) is the love of Beatrice who killed her brother in a duel.  In order to be convincing in her disguise, Beatrice becomes engaged to Pantalone’s daughter, Clarice (played by Adina Verson), even though she is promised to Silvio (played by Eugene Ma).  Mayhem ensues, all trickery is revealed, and love prevails.

Steven Epp as Truffolino
Photo courtesy of  Theatre for a New Audience
& Yale Repertory Theatre

Steven Epp is genius as Truffalino.  He and Mr. Bayes are credited for ‘further adaptations” of the script.  They skillfully add political commentary throughout the show.  Not only is this effective and hilarious, but it brings the commedia style and appeal into the present.  The antics become more than just buffoonery as the actors’ asides make us laugh at ourselves.  The cast works as a tight ensemble, giving life and verve to an almost three hundred year old theatrical form.

Theatre of a New Audience rises to new heights every year.  Their upcoming season is sure to live up to this expectation.  The Servant of Two Masters runs at the Polonsky Shakespeare Center in downtown Brooklyn through December 4.    

Domenick Danza