The story of two sets of identical twins accidentally separated at birth, Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant, Dromio of Syracuse, arrive in Ephesus, the home of their twin brothers, Antipholus of Ephesus and his servant, Dromio of Ephesus. When the Syracusans encounter the friends and families of their twins, a series of wild mishaps – based on mistaken identities – leads to melodramatic developments: damsels in distress, heroes, villains, hijinx, pranks, japes and general mayhem. A hilarious evening for the whole family!

Adding to this mayhem, director Candice Ingold has adapted the work to the 1920s in the silent film slapstick tradition of Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and even the Three Stooges.

“This type of comedy lends so well to the nature of this play,” says Ingold. “The constant gags and fake falls provide constant opportunity for laughter, but also an appreciation of the silent film era and slapstick comedy.”

This farcical aura is also played out in larger-than-life costumes, set design elements, and lighting.

“Think Charlie Chapman meets Tim Burton,” says Ingold. “This will not be your typical Shakespeare show – it’s a little dark, a little dangerous, and absolutely dream-like – but will keep you laughing the whole night.”

This production marks Candice Ingold’s directing debut at CSU. As a CSU theatre alum she also directs at OpenStage and Bas Bleu theatres in Fort Collins. This fall, she will also join the department as an adjunct professor for the 2012-13 school year.

“I’m excited to be joining CSU! As an alum, this is where my heart is,” Ingold says. “I want to give new faces a chance to shine and help these up-and-coming actors – that is what educational theatre is all about.”

This project/event is sponsored by a grant from the Lilla B. Morgan Memorial Fund, a premier supporter of arts and culture at CSU.

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