CBU’s “Comedy of Errors” is Shakespeare with a cartoonish twist

 

Riverside, Calif. (Nov. 9, 2016) – The theatre department at California Baptist University is set to bring plenty of laughs and slapstick humor to the stage with Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors.”

Set in an Atlantic City-like world in the late 1950s, the production tells the story of two sets of identical twins who were accidentally separated at birth. When one set of twins blunders into the others’ hometown and encounters the local twins’ friends and families, a series of wild mishaps and mistaken identities create a mirth-filled theatrical experience.

Frank Mihelich, assistant professor of theatre and the play’s director, described the production as having broad slapstick humor.

“The best way to describe the style of the play is a living cartoon—think Looney Tunes,” Mihelich said.

The students had to learn a physical and choreographed method of acting, he said.

Josh Hoefling, a theatre senior, plays Dromio of Syracuse and had to learn to act similarly to his “twin.”

“I love comedy… the ability to make people laugh and have fun in the show is always a wonderful experience,” Hoefling said.

Caleb Leal, a theatre sophomore, plays the twin, Dromio of Ephesus. He worked on learning the physicality of the show and matching his twin’s movements.

“The show as a whole has been a blast and is a riot,” Leal said. “I hope the audience takes the time to relax and enjoy and laugh.”

“Comedy of Errors”

When: Nov. 11-12, Nov. 17-19, at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 12, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m.

Where: Wallace Theatre, California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA, 92504

Tickets: General admission $15, CBU Faculty and Staff $12, CBU students $10

Tickets or questions? Call the theatre box office at 951- 343-4319 or email: mhyde@calbaptist.edu