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09.02.05—Think you don't like Shakespeare? Think the Bard is too intellectual for your plebian tastes? Think again.
Kate Kennedy's Avalon Players' summer production of William Shakespeare's hilarious play "Comedy of Errors" out-laughs them all. I promise you'll be rolling in the aisles—or on the lawn at intermission, as a group of Kate-groupies (preadolescent theater-wannabes) did.
Last weekend, when I attended the play, the audience was populated with supporting families. Not only was John O'Reilly's family present (including his London-trained acting son, Adian, as well as his daughter Maeve who, in spritely form, introduces each scene and act); we also spied the Maffei family there in support of Julia Holsworth and her real-life hubby, Rich Holsworth, as well as Bryan Tedrick and his sweet spouse, Terry Roberts, attending in honor of Nathalie Tedrick.
The patrons' tables were settled by Glen Ellen society. In addition to world-renowned architect Clifford Connely and Sonoma County historian Gaye LaBaron, we noticed philanthropist Sam Dakin and his wife, Mary, and daughters, as well as environmentalist/organic farmer Anne Teller and her friends.
What a grand show. I give this one a 10-plus on the entertainment scale. It's appropriate for all ages (from those elementary school kids rolling down the lawn) to the octogenarian wine tippers.
The plot is anything but simple, but don't let that deter you.
It's not obvious to the players either, who confuse their own roles as well as their fellow players' roles. Who am I? What am I? Abstaining Abbess or mother of twins? Marauding Syracusian condemned to death or patient, loving father? Philandering husband or attentive spouse? Shrewish housewife or complacent companion? Devoted sister or scheming deceiver?
The simple story revolves around two sets of twins, the honorable Antipholus brothers, and their faithful servants, the Dromio brothers.
The play begins with Egeon, a sad merchant of Syracuse, telling his tragic tale of the loss of his two beloved sons and his wife in a stormy sea some many years previous. With his tale, therein ends the tragedy and we go on to comedy.
Lots of it and as low grade as it gets. Don't fear that Shakespeare is above your latitude; he'll repair your dour attitude in minutes. Kate's particular version, set in sleazy Las Vegas, adds even more hilarity to the show.
Starring (among others) the talented Glen Ellen hometown gal Julia Maffei Holsworth and her sweetie, Rich Holsworth. Jerry Bruno performs as a tough-talkin' Duke with sad Robert Imel as the doomed merchant Egeon. John O'Reilly glows as Rich's twin, with the Dromio brothers being performed by Spencer Rank and Mark Gibson, many years divergent, yet still identical, twins.
Kathryn DelChiaro is delightful as the lovely Luciana while Lorraine Cline plays an elegant Abbess. Sharron Simpson, a director herself, shines in the part of Balthazar the conniving merchant, and crazy, charismatic Allen Moore is the best as the goldsmith, ever - simply brilliant - in his flashy golden white costume.
We loved Shelley Hallan and Katherine Spiering in their parts. When Spiering flashes her magic, the stage alights in sparks. A true highlight of the evening is talented Nathalie Tedrick as the Courtesan; her dance is beautifully amazing and then, alternatively hilarious as Dromio Spencer Rank joins in. Gary Blazek plays a tough Las Vegas thug counterpart to sweet Maeve O'Reilly as the scene announcer.
We imbibed Gun-Bun zin and pork sandwiches, reveled in the setting sun and the swirling dragonflies and knew that Sonoma was a bit of paradise on earth.
Don't miss this—the best show of the summer.
William Shakespeare's "Comedy of Errors," directed by Kate Kennedy and performed by the 25-year-old Avalon Players, shows Sept. 2 through 4. Performances are at 7 p.m. at Gundlach-Bundschu Winery, 2000 Denmark St. Admission is $20 general. Tickets can be purchased at the performance or by calling Kate Kennedy at 996-3264. To reserve a patrons' table, call 938-5277. The show begins at 7 p.m., and the gates open at 6 p.m. for picnicking.
Sylvia Crawford is a 35-year Valley resident who is a theater lover. She can be reached at 996-5995. 707.996.3264
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