Rose of Athens' 'Comedy of Errors' Production Filled with Laughter, Slapstick

Mistaken identities, lost twins and slapstick can all be found in 's "Comedy of Errors," which opened Wednesday at .

The play follows the tale of two sets of twins, separated in childhood, as they befuddle citizens of Ephesus through a series of comical mishaps. Part of the theatre's annual "" production, the adaptation combines 1940s costuming and humor with Elizabethan themes. 

"[The play's] one of Shakespeare's earlier comedies," said Danielle Miller, program coordinator for Rose of Athens and Adriana in the play. "I don't want to say that there's an amateur style but it was when he first started writing. But the directing style is very visual. Even if you can't immediately connect with the text you'll still be able to see what's happening through the visuals and the jokes."

During Tuesday night's dress rehearsal, the cast had attendees in near-constant laughter with quick quips and cartoon-like characters. The play's cast was also not immune to laughing at on-stage antics during rehearsal, something Miller said is not uncommon.

"Normally I am very good at focusing on stage and not laughing at another actor on stage, but that has been one of the main challenges on stage is not laughing at other people," she said. "Everyone is so funny."

Filled with exaggerated and melodramatic caricatures, humorous fights and witty banter, the play makes for a fun-filled evening and is family appropriate.

"We try to keep our shows fresh for our audience," Miller said. "And I think  this is one of the funnier shows we've done."

"Comedy of Errors" runs through June 17 at 8 p.m. nightly. The Ashford Manor lawn opens for seating at 5:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs or picnic materials. For tickets contact danielle@roseofathens.org or call 706-340-9181.