No errors were found in MV Theatre Arts’ latest production, Shakespeare’s ‘The Comedy of Errors’

As the audience filed in, a leviathan set that reached the ceiling informed them that this was not a typical high school play. Designed with the help of professional scenic designer Kit Wilder, the set consisted of a two-tiered structure reminiscent of a building from ye old English village.

Like a traditional Shakespeare festival, a Green Show—a short dance and live music performance—preceded the play with its own cast. Junior Max Sorg on guitar and sophomore Grant Menon on flute and guitar serenaded the audience with soothing folk songs like “Greensleeves”. They also performed various other medieval and traditional songs that guided a group of dancers in the center of the stage.The performer’s music and mastery of complex choreography—such as looping and arranging swords into a star formation—set a lively and relaxed atmosphere for the rest of the night.

Composing a more physical aspect of the mood, professional lighting designer, John Keenan, used subtle lights that smoothly transitioned between the top terrace and lower tier and created the perfect mood during each scene. The audience did not focus on the lighting itself, but what the light was placed on, as good lighting should do.

This play is unlike most of Shakespeare’s, as it is short and accessible. The plot of the play is essentially one drawn out misunderstanding, though it encompasses romance and comedic drama. “The Comedy of Errors” may be confusing to some as it is a story of not one, but two sets of identical twins. Although many teenagers cringe at the idea of watching Shakespeare, MV Theatre Arts managed to transcend the message hidden in archaic language to the audience.

A group of budding young actors brought out the story and slapstick humor that the play is famous for and simply could not be overlooked. Seniors Anna Crouch and Lena Jenny played separated servant twins with the same name, Dromio, who serve masters who are also identical twins. The giddy and silly servant pair provided for most of the laughter in the play by surpassing their simple dialogue and bringing out natural comical talent. While Crouch and Jenny filled the Auditorium with laughter, senior Stella Ziegler’s zeal and passion in her role as an absurd and ridiculous wife epitomized the high quality of the group. Ziegler’s clear enunciation and effortless acting was one of the highlights of the night.

Costume designers Cindy and Sara Tupski took on the challenge of creating clones of two entirely different people. After much face paint and elaborate and meticulous costumes, it is hard to discern between each set of twins.

By working with professional set and costume designers, as well as choreographers, it was quite clear that our drama department was not merely entertaining, but was reaching for something higher. In “The Comedy of Errors” they have attained that indescribable higher level of gratification for the audience. The play exuded high quality acting, set and costume design. The quirks and whimsy of the play made it unique and memorable.

As the audience filed out, a crowd buzzing with excitement reminded everyone that there’s a lot more coming from MV Theatre Arts.

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