Comedy of Errors

Comedy of Errors

The Drilling Company

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

July 22, 2023

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of Comedy of Errors is one hour and forty-five minutes of pure fun.  Director Hamilton Clancy has once again brought together a talented and charismatic troupe of actors to fill our summer nights with free, outdoor Shakespeare on the Lower East Side.  This is the Drilling Company’s twenty-fifth season.  They have earned their high level of expertise, which is evident in this phenomenal production.

Aegean of Syracuse (played by Hamilton Clancy) is arrested in Ephesus for unlawful trespass.  He is there in search of his son, Antipholus and his servant Dromio.  The Duke (played by Robert Arcaro) proclaims that he has one day to prove this claim, or he will be put to death as punishment for breaking the law.  In another part of Ephesus, Adriana (played by Petra Deninson) and her sister, Luciana (played by Erin G. Mahoney), mistake Antipholus of Syracuse (played by Drew Valins) and Dromio of Syracuse (played by Karla Hendrick) for her husband Antipholus of Ephesus (also played by Drew Valins) and his servant Dromio of Ephesus (played by Lizabeth Allen).  Adriana brings her mistaken husband and servant into her home for dinner.  They lock the door, keeping her true husband and his servant from entering upon their return.  When her husband does return, he is furious about being locked out, and makes a plan with Angelo (played by Jack Sochet) to meet him later that night for dinner with his Courtesan (played by Erin G. Mahoney).  Antipholus makes a deal with Angelo to purchase a gold necklace as a gift for the Courtesan.  Angelo later delivers the gold necklace to the wrong Antipholus.  The mayhem continues to build as both Dromios are sent on errands, and report back to the wrong master.  The time for Aegean’s sentence has come.  He recognizes Antipholus as the son he was searching for, but which Antipholus will recognize him as his father? 

Drew Valins is outstanding as both Antipholus of Syracuse and Antipholus of Ephesus.  He creates two distinct characters, varying his physically and vocal cadence.  Mr. Valins’ commitment and presence in each of these characters make them fully recognizable upon his entrance, keeping the storyline clear and fast paced.  Karla Hendrick and Lizabeth Allen are the perfect duo as Dromio of Syracuse and Dromio of Ephesus.  They mirror one another perfectly, making the comedy of errors ring true.  Petra Deninson and Erin G. Mahoney are fully in sync as Adriana and her sister, Luciana.  Their timing delivers the laughs and makes their bold, over the top portrayals endearing and engaging.  Jack Sochet plays Angelo as a cutting edge deal maker.  This works very well with Partick Hart’s no-nonsense portray of the Merchant.  These two actors push the drama and raise the stakes for the main characters, who are immersed in the comedy of confusion.  Additional strong performances are delivered by Bob Arcaro, Remy Souchon, Katherine O’Sullivan, Jamie Russell, Liusaidh Hopper, and a cameo appearance by Hamilton Clancy.  

Photo coutresy of The Drilling Company
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

Comedy of Errors plays for one more weekend in the parking lot of The Clemente (114 Norfolk, between Rivington & Delancey).  Performances are July 27, 28, & 29 at 7:00 PM.  The gates open at 6:30.  Get there early to get a good seat, or bring a folding chair or blanket.  It’s free, fun, & amazing!  Don’t miss it!  

Domenick Danza

Romeo & Juliet

Romeo & Juliet

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Drilling Company

July 13, 2019

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

The Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of Romeo & Juliet is the perfect way for The Drilling Company to celebrate twenty-five years of bringing FREE Shakespeare to the Lower East Side.  Lukas Raphael brilliantly directs a superb cast of ten, led by Anwen Darcy as Juliet and Adam Huff as Romeo.  With a running time of one hour and fifty minutes, there is no better way to spend a warm summer evening in NYC.

The play opens with the typical Shakespearian actor speaking the prologue.  He/she is briskly pushed off the stage by the cast of characters boisterously setting up the tension between the feuding families, immediately creating an atmosphere of aggression and danger.  The party scene where Romeo first lays eyes on Juliet is glorious.  The attraction between Ms. Darcy’s Juliet and Mr. Huff’s Romeo is stunningly playful.  The balcony scene which follows is charming, filled with the eager and youthful yearnings of two teens discovering their feelings.  The final scene in the crypt is emotionally effective.  Ms. Darcy and Mr. Huff deliver genuine and tender performances.

Adam Huff & Anwen Darcy
Photoc courtesy of The Drilling Company

The cast works as a close-knit ensemble, smoothly transitioning from one scene to the next.  Jack Sochet is commanding as Capulet, Juliet’s father.  Serena Ebony Miller is outstanding as Friar (Sister) Lawrence.  Alessandro Colla delivers a robust Mercutio.  Una Clancy, Samantha Sutliff, Jake Lesh, Kendra Lee Oberhauser, and John Callendo all create strong characters that vibrantly fill the outdoor space.

Artistic Director Hamilton Clancy is dedicated to making Shakespeare accessible and free to the public.  After twenty-five years of producing Shakespeare in the Parking Lot, he is a true master.  Romeo & Juliet runs Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:00 PM through July 27.  Take the F train to the Delancey Street stop and walk two blocks to the Clement Soto Velez Cultural Center parking lot on 114 Norfolk Street.  Meet a friend a enjoy a fun, free night of well-done Shakespeare. 

Domenick Danza

The Tempest

The Tempest

The Drilling Company

Bryant Park Shakespeare

September 1, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of Bryant Park Shakespeare

Director Lukas Raphael brings The Drilling Company’s summer Shakespeare season to a stunning conclusion with his rendition of The Tempest at Bryant Park.  He states in the program notes, “While embracing the madness of our venue in Manhattan, it was important to focus the production and tell the story clearly, imaginatively, and immediately.”  He skillfully achieves this goal through collaboration with a brilliant cast and amazing composer, Natalie Smith.  Mr. Raphael hones in on the essence and power of Shakespeare’s tale, making it accessible and entertaining.

Prospero (played by Roger Rathburn), the former Duke of Milan, and his daughter, Miranda (played by Mary Linehan) have been living on a secluded island after forced exile twelve years ago.  He rules over Ariel, a spirit (played by Natalie Smith), and Caliban, an island native who formerly reigned over the island (played by Eric Paterniani).  Prospero conjures a mighty storm that causes a shipwreck.  Aboard the ship are Alonso, the King of Naples (played by Jack Sochet), and members of his courts, including his son Ferdinand (played by Bradford B. Frost).  They all become separated, and seek any advantage to obtain power.  It is Prospero’s plan for redemption through forgiveness that comes to fruition.

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Roger Rathburn is commanding as Prospero.  He creates a strong bond with Natalie Smith’s Ariel.  Jack Sochet portrays a wide range of emotion as Alonso.  He remains in control over the men of his court, while feeling a deep loss thinking his son Ferdinand died during the storm.  Bryce Dutton (as Sebastian), Michael Bernstein (as Antonio), Zach Guttmann (as Adrian), and Robert Arcaro (as Gonzalo) concisely illustrate the struggle between loyalty and betrayal that takes place in the minds of men of power.  Their scenes provide truth to the events that caused Prospero’s exile and propel the action forward. 

The true magic of this production takes place between Mary Linehan and Bradford B. Frost.  The innocence and naiveté of Ms. Linehan’s Miranda is sincere and genuine.  Her character is strongly rooted and sure of herself in the world her father built for her.  She is also eager to experience the newness of the world beyond its borders.  Mr. Frost’s Ferdinand is bold and brave.  His tenderness toward Miranda is endearing.  Together these two actors create true and honest moments of discovery.  Their chemistry is electric.  Their skills are sharp and focused.

Eric Paterniani, who is usually cast in the comic roles in The Drilling Company productions, is mesmerizing as Caliban.  He creates this “monster” character by making strong physical and vocal choices that create mystery and intrigue.  When he conspires with Jarrod Bates (Trinculo) and Andrew Gombas (Stephano), it is pure pandemonium.

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

You have one more weekend to see The Drilling Company’s production of The Tempest at Bryant Park (Friday and Saturday, September 8 & 9, at 7:00 PM).  It is your last chance for FREE summer Shakespeare.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza