An Immersive and Farcical Comedy of Errors Opens the Howard Family Stage at Bard on the Beach

An Immersive and Farcical Comedy of Errors Opens
the Howard Family Stage at Bard on the Beach

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival opens the Howard Family Stage with the hilarious Comedy of Errors directed by Rebecca Northan from July 2 to September 21, 2024. Two sets of identical twins, a looming death sentence, and the sexy azure sparkle of an ancient Greek port teeming with comedic confusions is the perfect recipe for mistaken identity, marital infidelity, and knee-slapping hijinks.

“We are thrilled to have Rebecca Northan back to direct at Bard on the Beach following her incredibly successful run of Goblin:Macbeth last season,” said Christopher Gaze, Bard on the Beach Artistic Director. “Her creative talents have been burning up stages across Canada and we cannot wait to invite audiences to join us. Adapted by Rebecca Northan with Bruce Horak, this production will be played out by a cast of eight actors with two ensemble members bringing to life this bustling Ancient Greek city in a hilarious story of mistaken identities.”

Set in the city of Ephesus, it follows the journey of two sets of identical twins, separated at birth, who unknowingly find themselves in the same city. Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant Dromio endure a series of bewildering encounters with their long-lost twin brothers, Antipholus of Ephesus and his servant Dromio. Amidst confusion, slapstick humor, and miscommunication, the play explores themes of identity, family, and the absurdity of human nature, ultimately culminating in a resolution that brings harmony and reconciliation to the characters.

This fantastical farce invites patrons to join the (toga) party & travel back to Ancient Greece in your best bed sheet and sandals. Your (optional) cosplaying will only add to the hilarity of our immersive Greek marketplace, featuring actual local artisans vending their wares. Whatever you decide to wear, you’ll be rolling in the aisles at this uniquely ridiculous production that takes its comedy seriously—deadly seriously.

Comedy of Errors cast members include Scott Bellis, Meaghan Chenosky, Tess Degenstein, Emma Houghton, Karthik Kadam, Jeremy Lewis, Tal Shulman, Jacob Wolke, Raugi Yu, and Synthia Yusuf. Understudies for Comedy of Errors are Leslie Dos Remedios and Craig Erickson.

Set in Ancient Greece, audiences will be immersed in this tiny port town from the moment they enter the Bard Village and head to the Howard Family Stage passing an outdoor market populated local vendors that spills into the theatre. Set Designer Ryan Cormack will transform the Howard Family Stage into a set filled with 16 entrances and exits designed with a lived-in ancient feel. Costume Designer Christine Reimer has crafted metamorphic costumes designed for quick changes for the dozens of characters played by a handful of actors. Additional members of Comedy of Error’sproduction team include Ben Elliott (Sound Designer and Composer) who is creating a melodic and comedic Ancient Greece, Hina Nishioka (Lighting Designer), Sam Jeffery (Fight Director), Lisa Goebel (Intimacy Director), Alison Matthews (Head Voice & Text Coach) and Heidi Wilkinson (Head of Props) whose team is working on hundreds of props for this production. They are supported by Rebecca Mulvihill (Production Stage Manager), Jenny Kim (Assistant Stage Manager) and Julia Lank (Apprentice Stage Manager).

SPECIAL EVENTS for Comedy of Errors include:

The crowd-pleasing Bard Fireworks Nights, where patrons enjoy a performance of Comedy of Errors followed by a dessert buffet, and guaranteed, spectacular views of the Celebration of Light. Fireworks evenings are July 20, 24 & 27. New this year: Bring your own picnic supper, preorder from us (for an extra charge), or snack the night away—the choice is yours.

A matinee performance for our Family Days encourages a new generation of young theatre patrons to discover Shakespeare and the Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park festival experience. Special pricing and kids’ activities are in effect on August 18.

Discover more about Bard’s production from the cast during Talkback Tuesdays in July and August, where performers will take part in free post-show discussions.

Ticket prices for all regular play performances start at $30 CAD and are available now. Early booking is recommended for best seat selection, as many performances sell out in advance. The full performance schedule and event details are on the Bard website at bardonthebeach.org. To book tickets, order online through the Bard website or call the Bard Box Office at 604-739-0559 or (toll free) 1-877-739-0559.

Media release and image provided by Cynnamon Schreinert, Hartley PR