Lenox, MA
through August 23, 2015
by Shera Cohen
To you, Shakespeare Purists (I had been one of your members
until recently), don’t even think about wasting your time and money going to
Shakespeare & Company. For the rest, this summer’s productions offer “The
Comedy of Errors” and “Henry V” -- plays that are about as distant from each
other in plot, characters, mood, and message than any two plays by Shakespeare
(or anyone, for that matter) can be. Similar, is execution of both are
exceptional even by Shakespeare & Company’s high standards. However, these
productions do not “look” like Shakespeare intended them. His Elizabethan words
are all there and the characters’ personalities populate the stage, but not
much else, particularly in “Comedy.”
William Shakespeare’s work for the theatre basically fall
into three categories:
- Comedies - all main characters live happily ever after.
- Dramas - nearly all of the main characters die.
- Histories - some live, some die, all are altered looks at real historical personalities and events.
Let’s look at some specific differences between “Comedy of
Errors” (obviously in the comedy genre) and “Henry V” (history).
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| Photo by Enrico Spada |
“Errors” relies on silly pratfalls, boisterous characters,
and salacious text. This is your typical Shakespearean comedy with mistaken
identities, twins, love triangles, and rubber chickens. Here’s where purists
might be aghast -- “Errors” is updated to a resort beach in 2015.
“Henry” relies more on the drama of combat and religion,
leadership and mission, and right and wrong as defined from different
viewpoints during decades of wars between England and France. “Henry” is true
history with a Shakespearean slant.
Shakes & Co. mounts plays in numerous venues on their
campus and throughout Lenox. The large mainstage (Tina Packer Playhouse) is the
perfect location for “Errors.” Equally, the intimate Elayne P. Bernstein
Theatre’s stage permits “Henry’s” actors quick and easy entrances and exits and
costume changes as each depicts multiple roles. An explanation of these Bare
Bard Series’ productions is that (in “Henry”) eight actors portray 27
characters. Sounds like a difficult task and director’s nightmare. Perhaps it
is. Yet, Shakes & Co. pros make the transitions look effortless. Sets are
quite bare as well.
I have seen a crop of newbies (new actors to this venue)
than in years past in significant “Error” and “Henry” roles. Super jobs. At the
same time, the troupe’s tried and true actors come front and center; i.e.
Jonathan Croy, David Joseph, Jennie Jadow, Malcolm Ingram, and Michael Toomey.
It’s a tough job, but I must single out a couple of performers, each in lead roles; i.e. Ryan Winkles (“Henry”)
whose dramatic panache equals this comedy chops where I have primarily seen him
work, and Aaron Bartz (“Errors”) whose rubber body punches up the verbal jokes
to provide more laughter than even expected.
Kudos to directors Taibi Magar and Jenna Ware, “Errors” and
“Henry,” respectively, for revving up the pacing to rocket speed and guiding
actors to define each multiple role so distinctly that there is never any doubt
as to who is who.
So many backstage pros create unique costumes, lighting,
sets, and sound. The neon colors “Errors” compare with the deep brown, blacks,
and shadows of “Henry.”
I ask that the Purists take a chance and experience at least
one of Shakespeare’s 38 - 40 (no one is sure) in an updated or “odd” version at
Shakespeare & Company or at any other theatre. You can later email and
thank me.
“The Comedy of Errors” and “Henry V” both run until August
23, 2015. For information, check
www.shakespeare.org.
