Shakespeare With a Steampunk Twist

What do time travel, steampunk, classical text, and 1890s France have in common?

They are all essential components of the , according to Artistic Director Sally Boyett-D’Angelo.

Shakespeare’s original work tells the tale of two sets of identical twins accidentally separated at birth. When the four encounter one another years later, cases of mistaken identity lead to near-seductions, beatings, false arrests and accusations, and more.

The story and the language in the ASC production will stay true to the orginal, but there are some surprising twists for theater goers.

“We’ve modernized it without changing the integrity of the story,” said Boyett-D’Angelo.

ASC has re-imagined the story in 1890s Paris, and includes time travel and a steampunk scene, but still uses Shakespeare’s original text. The Comedy of Errors is considered to be one of Shakespeare’s most farcical comedies, making it great for newcomers to the genre, according to Boyett-D’Angelo.

“There’s so much physical humor that even someone who thinks they have a hard time understanding Shakespeare would not have a hard time understanding our production,” she said.

In addition to having a young and energetic cast, the show also collaborates with several noted area professionals on set design, costume design, voice coaching, and stage violence choreography.

Boyette-D’Angelo is hoping that what she describes as a very talented and professional cast, a beautiful set, beautiful costumes, and the great lighting of the Bowie Playhouse, will appeal to a wide variety of theater enthusiasts.

“The classical text will appeal to Shakespeare purists and the hip twist with steampunk theme and time travel will appeal to younger theater goers as well,” she said.

The Comedy of Errors opens at the at 8 p.m. on Thursday Aug. 2, with the opening night gala at 6:30 pm. on Friday Aug. 3. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. They can be purchased online here.