By Sara Wiercinski
William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors debuts tonight at Avila University’s Goppert Performing Arts Center, in the Frantze Family Blackbox Theatre. The play continues Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday, at 7:30 pm and Sunday afternoon at 2 pm.
The comedy tells the tale of two sets of twins, both separated at birth, who meet as adults. Identities are mistaken. Hilarity ensues. And as only Shakespeare can, the audience is drawn to deeper, unspoken understandings about human nature, right alongside the farce.
The Comedy of Errors stars Avila students Tucker Rushing as Antipholus of Syracuse, Nathan Hummell as Antipholus of Ephesus, Coltyn Ledbetter as Dromio of Syracuse, Micah Creek as Dromio of Ephesus, Victoria Bestor as Adriana, and Mariah Masterson as Luciana, with a list of additional players here.
Matt Schwader Harbor is Chair of Avila’s School of Performing Arts and also directs The Comedy of Errors. He says Avila takes on a Shakespeare play every other year, as a chance for students to “develop mastery of language, emotional depth, and character complexity” while also a being a “fantastic opportunity to share these timeless stories with our community.”
The entire set, including costumes, props and lighting has all been designed by Avila Theater students.
According to Harbor, the play’s setting is “an imagined world inspired by the marketplaces of ancient Greece and Turkey, complete with a mix of Greek and Ottoman influences in the music and costumes.”
“The intimate Frantze Family Blackbox Theatre allows the audience to feel as if they’re part of the bustling town square of Ephesus, creating an immersive experience.”
Kelsey Harms is Scenic Designer. Costume design is by Abigail Dearing. Lighting designer is Eleanor Frances, plus a long list of crew and cast.
Tickets are $10 each, $8 for seniors and students, and Avila students are free. Children under the age of 10 are also free.
Seating is limited. Reserve tickets by calling the box office at 816-501-3699 or emailing Box.Office@avila.edu