Get ready for a whirlwind of mistaken identities, uproarious misunderstandings, and side-splitting physical comedy as the Shakespeare Sports Theatre Company brings William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” to life this summer. Under the seasoned direction of celebrated NYC Shakespearean artist Michael Hagins, this frolicsome farce promises to be a recipe for roaring laughter, featuring a dynamic cast that includes Jennifer Kim as Dromio of Ephesus, Vic Gitre as Antipholus of Syracuse, and Katie Freimann as Angelo the Goldsmith.

“The Comedy of Errors,” a play where identical twins unwittingly stumble into the same city, is a timeless testament to Shakespeare’s comedic genius. The audience is invited to witness the hilarious chaos that ensues when Antipholus of Syracuse and his ever-loyal servant Dromio of Syracuse wander into Ephesus, a city already inhabited by their spitting images, Antipholus of Ephesus and his own bewildered Dromio. This free outdoor production offers audiences a unique opportunity to experience classic theatre in vibrant New York City settings, including Riverside Church, St. Francis Cabrini Shrine, Summit Rock in Central Park, and Pat’s Lawn in Inwood Hill Park.

Jennifer Kim: The Endlessly Expressive Dromio of Ephesus

Jennifer Kim, a New York City-based actress, takes on the role of Dromio of Ephesus, one-half of the comedic servant duo at the heart of the play’s mistaken identity plot. Kim finds working with Shakespearean material to be “some of the most entertaining and thoughtful material to work with.” She emphasizes the richness of the language, noting that “there’s always more to mine from the language because it’s so rich.” For Kim, the high stakes often present in Shakespeare’s works provide “endless ways of expression” for the story and characters, inviting actors to “explore more creatively.”

When asked about the enduring appeal of mistaken identity plotlines, Kim keenly observes, “I think some of the funniest comedy comes from honest characters in absurd situations, and the mistaken identity plotlines really hit the nail on the head for this type of humor.” She finds it particularly hilarious “seeing a character being whole-heartedly earnest, yet also devastatingly incorrect.” Beyond the practical benefit of no royalties, Kim believes “The Bard’s” work continues to resonate because “the language is endlessly giving because it expresses so well what it feels like to be human and go through life.” She anticipates that there will always be worthwhile interpretations of Shakespeare’s work due to the timeless and entertaining nature of his stories and characters. After “The Comedy of Errors” wraps, Kim will be “back to auditioning!”

Vic Gitre: The Intrigued Antipholus of Syracuse

Brooklyn-based actor, artist, and writer Vic Gitre embodies Antipholus of Syracuse, one of the identical masters whose arrival sparks the play’s central conflict. Gitre highlights a key difference in tackling Shakespeare versus modern texts: the meticulous preparation required before entering the rehearsal room. He begins by cross-referencing the 16th/17th-century English with a lexicon to fully grasp the meaning. Furthermore, for verse, Gitre performs scansion – the analysis of the text’s rhythm – which he finds “can actually clue me in to my character’s inner life over their arc of the play and will inform my analysis of what my character wants and their point of view on the situation.” This foundational work, he explains, supports his performance once he’s in the rehearsal room, allowing him to “live in the moment and support my scene partner.”

Gitre sheds light on the audience’s love for mistaken identity plotlines, attributing it to dramatic irony, “a device literally as old as theatre itself.” He notes, “it’s always exciting when the audience is able to figure something out before the characters themselves. It makes people feel smart!” As for Shakespeare’s perpetual presence on stage, Gitre asserts that fundamental human desires – “power, intimacy, stability, belonging” – and how we relate to one another have remained largely unchanged over time. He eloquently states, “In the best of Shakespeare’s works, we can so clearly see what a character needs in a way that we can relate to our own life–and moreover, the stakes are often quite literally life-or-death.” For Gitre, “The Bard” provides a compelling “template” for the relentless pursuit of goals that audiences crave in live theatre. Looking ahead, Gitre is “dipping my toe into playwriting,” embarking on a full-length piece that will combine “lesbian interpersonal drama and the Belle Époque.”

Katie Freimann: The Silly and Exploratory Angelo the Goldsmith

Katie Freimann, an NYC-based singer and actor who moved to the city in 2023, takes on the role of Angelo the Goldsmith. Freimann finds rehearsing and performing Shakespeare to be “one of the more freeing experiences I have had as an actor.” She explains that because the language can sometimes be a barrier, “it is important to nail the physicality and the delivery, which allows for a lot of exploration within the character.” This freedom, she says, makes it “great to just let go and get to be a little silly!”

Freimann offers a thoughtful perspective on the enduring appeal of mistaken identity plots: “I think the reason we love mistaken identity plots so much is that it plays on the idea of taking one of the things we value most, our individuality and idiosyncrasies that come with our lives, and assigning them to another person.” She finds “the confusion and mayhem when one insists that you are a person you know nothing about? Priceless.” Echoing her castmates, Freimann attributes Shakespeare’s timelessness to the simple yet universally true themes rooted in his stories. She also marvels at how “the Bard’s stories fit in so many contexts, so there can be many iterations and interpretations of the same story!”

Don’t Miss the Mayhem!

This free production promises a delightful afternoon or evening of classic theatre. Michael Hagins, with his extensive directorial credits ranging from Macbeth to Measure for Measure, is sure to lead this talented cast in a memorable rendition of “The Comedy of Errors.”

Performance Schedule:

• Riverside Church: July 17 @ 7 pm
• St. Francis Cabrini Shrine: July 19 and 20 @ 4 pm
• Summit Rock in Central Park: July 26 and August 2 @ 2 pm
• Pat’s Lawn in Inwood Hill Park: July 27 @ 2 pm

All events are free, but reserving a seat is encouraged. Prepare to be delighted by the comedic brilliance of Jennifer Kim, Vic Gitre, Katie Freimann, and the entire cast as they bring Shakespeare’s “Hilariously Haywire” “Comedy of Errors” to the heart of New York City! Sources