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Next Show:

Summer of 2020

Announcements:

Thanks for a WONDERFUL 10th Season!
Over 3,000 people enjoyed "The Comedy of Errors." This would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and donors. Thank you all for keeping Shakespeare in the Park free to see.

​For press about The Comedy of Errors, visit our Press page.
Peruse The Comedy of Errors program here.
Courtesy of Footlights.


​Performances
Preview - Wednesday, June 26, 8 pm

​Opening Night
​Thursday, June 27, 8 pm

Friday & Saturday, June 28 & 29, 8 pm
Sunday, June 30, 7:30 pm

Matinee - Tuesday, July 2, Noon
Note: no performance on July 4th
Friday & Saturday, July 5 & 6, 8 pm
Sunday, July 7, 7:30 pm

Matinee - Tues, July 9, Noon

Thursday & Friday, July 11 & 12, 8 pm
 
Closing Night
Saturday, July 13, 8 pm
​
Seats are first-come, first-served and you may make your seat selection up to 2 hours before the performance begins. For more information, visit the "Coming to the Show" page - link is at top of page.
Performances will be about 2 hours long, plus a 15-minute intermission

​
​About

The Comedy of Errors

One of Shakespeare’s early plays, “The Comedy of Errors” is also the shortest. It relies on puns, mistaken identity and fundamentally farcical situations for its humor. Unfolding over just 24 hours, order is overthrown when two pairs of twins, separated as infants, find their paths crossing to their own confusion and that of everyone they encounter. A series of mishaps ensue, including arrest, beating, a near-seduction and accusations of theft, madness and infidelity, until the truth at last untangles the misunderstandings.

The play has been adapted in operatic, musical and film formats, finding particular popularity in the Indian cinema, where it’s formed the basis for at least eight movies.

Egeon, a merchant of Syracusa, is condemned to death in Ephesus for violating the ban against travel between the two rival cities. As he is led to his execution, he tells the Ephesian Duke, Solinus, that he has come to Syracuse in search of his wife and one of his twin sons, who were separated from him 25 years ago in a shipwreck. The other twin, who grew up with Egeon, is also traveling the world in search of the missing half of their family. (The twins, we learn, are identical, and each has an identical twin slave named Dromio, because...of COURSE they do!) The Duke is so moved by this story that he grants Egeon a day to raise the thousand-mark ransom that would be necessary to save his life.

Meanwhile, unknown to Egeon, his son Antipholus of Syracusa (and Antipholus' slave Dromio) is also visiting Ephesus -- where Antipholus' missing twin, known as Antipholus of Ephesus, is a prosperous citizen of the city.

And hilarity ensues.

​The situation is finally resolved by the Abbess, Aemilia. 

Alongside the ridiculousness, both obvious and subtle, are deeper themes like the difference between law and justice, and the broader effects of belonging and estrangement. Themes touching on the nature of identity (and its loss), and of "unanswered questions" permeates the story. And we can find the kernels of ideas and even dialogue that will recur later in Shakespeare's work. As is usually the case, the play operates on more than one level.

​Come to laugh. But take home some food for thought!

 
​Cast and Crew of

​The Comedy of Errors

Cast

  • Co-Directed by Ron Scot Fry and ML Cogar
  • ​Dramaturgy by ML Cogar​
  • Vocal Coaching by Tom Reed
  • ​Veronica Zahn* - Stage Manager

  • Libby Amato - Luciana
  • Randall Anderson - Angelo the Goldsmith
  • Connor Blankenship - Antipholus of Ephesus
  • Cole Conrad - Dromio of Ephesus
  • Rebekah Farr - Dromio of Syracusa
  • Tosha Freeman - The Jailer and Ensemble
  • Ian Hathway - Second Merchant and Ensemble
  • Mary Kababik - Aemilia the Abbess
  • Thorin Ketelsen - Antipholus of Syracusa
  • Katherine Norman - Adriana
  • James Pickering* - Egeon and Balthazar
  • Nate Press - Messenger and Ensemble
  • Izaiah Ramirez - The Officer and Ensemble
  • Robert Spencer* - Duke Solinus, Dr. Pinch, and Nell the Kitchen Wench
  • Tami Workentin* - Courtesan and First Merchant

*Member, Actors’ Equity Association

Crew/Staff/Advisers

  • Ron Scot Fry – Artistic Director
  • Colin Gawronski – Production Manager and Lighting Designer
  • ​David Greenberg – Sound Designer
  • Posy Knight - Set Designer and Scenic Charge
  • Christy Seibers - Costume Designr
  • Tania Taylor – Props Designer
  • Eli Walker - Assistant Stage Manager
  • Margie Sather - Wardrobe

Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
  • John Hassig – Director of Programming
  • George Batayias – Technical Director
  • Mark Barnes - Marcus Center Event Services Director
  • Michael Warren - Theater Manager
  • Anthony D. Smith - Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion
  • Mary Knight - Programming Associate

  • Susan Scot Fry - Executive Director
  • Christie Manussier - Communications Director
  • Dr. Barbara Leigh - Community Outreach
  • Karen Samelson - Grantwriter
  • Dominick Reed - Special Projects
**Member, IATSE
2019 Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee Resident Student
Summer Arts Interns:
  • Tai'Sean Knox
  • Alex Lopez
  • Marvell Reed
  • Oliver West



​Coming to the Show
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How Much?
Tickets are FREE!†    

Where?
The Peck Pavilion in downtown Milwaukee, located on the river side of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts at 929 N. Water Street.

Accessible directly via the Green, Route 49 and Route 57 bus lines and a short walk from Route 19, Red and The Hop lines.

Why?
It's funny! It's free, it's outside, it's free, and it's a great time. Also? FREE!!

How?
  • Seating is first come, first served and plenty of ushers are there to help. Two hours before the play begins, the ushers and house staff will let line-standers in, a few at a time, to select their seats. Bring a blanket, cushion, sweater or sign to leave on your chair(s). People will sometimes arrive up to 3 hours before the show starts and wait in line, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
  • Approx. 30 minutes before the show starts, ushers will remove barriers and you'll be welcome to sit in the seats you've selected. If you didn't come earlier to pick your seats, we recommend you arrive no later than 30 minutes before the show.
  • Friday and Saturday nights do fill up, so if you anticipate arriving closer to show time, you might plan to bring a lawn chair. This will be especially true for closing weekend.
  • Note: the seating space is covered, but seats along the edges may still be exposed in the event of rain -- if the forecast is for precipitation, bring a poncho or rain jacket.
  • Members of Shakespeare in the Park have the opportunity to pre-reserve their seats — click HERE to learn about becoming a Member.
  • Community groups like Boys & Girls Clubs, Grand Avenue Club, Running Rebels, etc are welcome to reserve ahead of time for the whole group. Contact Susan Fry.
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Food?

YES! Bring a picnic and enjoy the lovely grounds at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Plenty of picnic tables and grassy areas.

Don't want to pack in a picnic? Enjoy concessions by Sazama's Fine Catering  Click here to check out the River's Edge Patio menu!

Please Note: No carry-in alcoholic beverages. Sazama's does provide a full cash bar.
Weather? Shakespeare in the Park goes on rain or shine. The Peck Pavilion roof over the audience and the stage provides fantastic shade and rain protection. On warmer days, you're right on the Riverwalk, which tends to be cooler than many parts of our city.
†Everyone is invited to attend for FREE through a partnership with the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Live@Peck, generous help from...
  • Isabel and Alfred Bader Fund
  • BMO Harris Bank
  • Herzfeld Foundation
  • Gerda A. Debelak Fund via the Greater Milwaukee Foundation
  • Lynde & Harry Bradley Foundation
  • Milwaukee Arts Board 
  • ​Molitor Foundation
  • CAMPAC
  • Wisconsin Arts Board 
  • and more 

It's also made possible by the hundreds of individuals who have donated so that the Greater Milwaukee area can enjoy this fantastic theater experience.
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Optimist Theatre is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation
Your donation is always 100% tax-deductible
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