Shakespeare on Clark presents ‘The Comedy of Errors’ July 26

Submitted by Shakespeare on Clark

The circus is coming to town this summer, Shakespearean style. Shakespeare on Clark presents William Shakespeare’s farce, “The Comedy of Errors.” Under the direction of Batavia resident Julane Sullivan, the theme of the production will be life under the big top and along the midway of a vintage carnival side show. Solidus, who is the Duke of Ephesus, serves as ringmaster to all the characters involved.

The plot of the play deals with Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse arriving in Ephesus; Dromio is the servant of Antipholus, and each of them has a long lost brother for whom they are searching, and both of these brothers reside in Ephesus.

The farcical elements begin to spark when these two from Syracuse are mistaken by townspeople for their identical counterparts of Ephesus, who are also called Antipholus and Dromio. Dromio of Ephesus is the servant to Antipholus of Ephesus. Antipholus of Syracuse encounters Antipholus of Ephesus’s wife, Adriana. Naturally, Adriana believes him to be her husband, but he is bewildered by her behavior. More bewilderment abounds leading to full-blown farce as the two Dromios run into the opposite Antipholuses, Dromio of Syracuse is chased around town by his brother’s wife, Antipholus of Syracuse resists Adriana’s advances while taking a shine to her younger sister Luciana and both sets of twins deal with confused townspeople. This leads to an arrest and false accusations of infidelity, theft, madness and demonic possession.

Appearing as Solinus is Jerome Urbik (North Aurora). Todd Ridgeway (Carol Stream) will portray Antipholus of Ephesus. Carl Zeitler (Glen Ellyn) appears as Antipholus of Syracuse. Larry Quist (Virgil) is playing Dromio of Syracuse. Aaron Berogan (Sterling) portrays Dromio of Ephesus. Adriana will be played by Mary Nigohosian (Batavia) and Luciana is played by Sarah McCanna (Chicago). Other members of the cast include August Anderson, William Evensen and Matt Heine, all of Batavia; Kate Hart, of Wheaton; Sue Krokosz, of Pleasant Prairie, Wis.; Lynn Meredith, of Elburn; Tom Reiser and Bruce Worthel, both of North Aurora; Alexander Seymour, of Aurora; and Emma Smith, of Downers Grove.

“The Comedy of Errors” will run weekends from Friday, July 26, until Sunday, Aug. 11. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7 p.m., and Sunday shows begin at 6 p.m. All performances take place at the stone pavilion on Clark Island in downtown Batavia. There is no specific fee to attend, but donations are greatly appreciated to help support the production. There is plenty of free parking available. Bring a group of friends to share a picnic and enjoy the show.

Sullivan directs and produces her edited version of the show. It will be a lively, fast-paced show full of physical comedy. Chuck Palia (Lisle) will be in charge of scenic design. Chris Majka (Elgin) is in charge of sound and music design. Laura Dwyer (Batavia) is the show’s costume designer. Chris Casillas (Batavia) will be the technical crew supervisor.

Shakespeare on Clark has been in existence on Clark Island in downtown Batavia since 1999. This outdoor venue allows audiences to experience Shakespeare under the stars while bringing their lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to further enhance the event.

Sullivan, owner of All Dressed Up Costumes in Batavia, founded Shakespeare on Clark 14 years ago. Originally serving as producer and costumer for the yearly productions, she has directed the shows the past five summers. Shakespeare on Clark is providing more entertainment related to the Bard this summer than in the past. Besides “The Comedy of Errors,” the theater company will produce an original work written and directed by Bryan Renaud titled “Twelfth Night of the Living Dead” as well as a performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which will be performed by members of a youth workshop taught by Sullivan and Renaud following its completion.

Shakespeare on Clark has the support of several local organizations, such as Acid Reflex Comedy Troupe, All Dressed Up Costumes, Batavia Main Street, Batavia Arts Council, Batavia Park District and Blackberry Polo Club. Acid Reflex and Blackberry Polo Club will be involved in two major fundraisers for Shakespeare on Clark’s production schedule.

For more information about Shakespeare on Clark or these fundraisers, visit www.shakespeareonclark.com.