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

Hamlet

Hamlet

The Drilling Company

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

July 28, 2018

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Celebrating their 24^th year of presenting free Shakespeare on the Lower East Side, The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of Hamlet rings fresh, truthful, and alive.  Director Karla Hendrick trimmed down Shakespeare’s book, kept the action flowing, and guided the actors to dive deeply into the characters to deliver genuine performances.  Ms. Hendrick makes some bold and brilliant choices, especially in casting women in roles written for men, adding levels of humor and social commentary not normally seen in Hamlet.

Jane Bradley & Una Clancy
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Hamlet (played by Jane Bradley) is visited by the ghost of his father, King Hamlet (played by Bill Green).  He asks Hamlet to avenge his death.  The King was murdered by his brother, Claudius (played by Robert Arcaro), who then married the anguished Queen, Gertrude (played by Una Clancy).  Claudius now wears the crown and plots to get rid of Hamlet.  Hamlet feigns madness in order to prove the ghost’s message and plan his revenge.  

Jane Bradley is remarkable as Hamlet.  Her melancholy is heartfelt and her madness is cunning.  She takes the audience deeply into Hamlet’s inner thoughts during the soliloquies, bringing nuance and clarity to every word.  Gracie Winchester is charming and coy as Ophelia.  The audience feels for her when she is rejected by Hamlet.  She and Ms. Bradley develop a warm, tender, and truthful connection.  When Hamlet arrives at Ophelia’s burial, Ms. Bradley creates a genuine moment of sorrow and heartache.  

Jane Bradley as Hamlet
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Robert Arcaro and Una Clancy both have a strong presence as Claudius and Gertrude.  Their relationship and position are real, and the tensions between them and Hamlet is tangible.  Elowyn Castle is powerful as Laertes and Ophelia’s mother, Polonia.  The famous advice to Laertes speech is touching and heartfelt.  She then transitions into a political manipulator when playing scenes with Claudius and Gertrude.  John Caliendo delivers an honest performance as Laertes.  The relationship he and Ms. Winchester create as brother and sister is playful and caring.

Aly Byatt and Lulu Fairclough-Stewart bring a humorous aspect to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlets friends from school.  Together the three women have the timing, humor, and bite of set of mean girls.  Strong performances are also delivered by Bill Green, Dan Teachout, Kendra Lee Oberhauser, Niamh Ryan, Colleen Cosgrove, and Margo Tillstrom.

The final performance of Hamlet was July 28.  If you missed it, don’t dismay.  There is one more show in The Drilling Company’s Summer Shakespeare Season.  Macbeth will be performed at Bryant Park on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 PM from August 24 through September 8.  It is sure to be a great production.  Yes, it is FREE, so don’t miss it!

Domenick Danza