The classic ‘Shakespeare in the Park’ experience gets a new twist in Flashback Theater Co’s upcoming production of The Comedy of Errors, presented by SPEDA and running July 25-27, 2024 at Joe Ford Amphitheater in Rocky Hollow Park. Under the direction of Amber Frangos, this unique theatrical experience will feature pre-recorded dialogue so that the actors may focus on telling our tale of hilarious misfortune through a symphonic new style of physical theater. This production will be part of Flashback Theater’s new SomerStage Training Ground program, giving local student actors the opportunity to appear on stage with Flashback’s adult cast members.

One of Shakespeare’s earliest works, and by far his most farcical, The Comedy of Errors centers on two pairs of accidentally separated identical twins caught in a series of buffoonish events. The fun begins when Antipholus and his servant Dromio of Syracuse arrive on the Greek island of Ephesus to discover that the island is already populated by their identical Ephesian twins, also named Antipholus and Dromio. Unfortunately, since there’s no way of telling anyone apart, they find themselves in hot water when they encounter the friends and family of the Ephesian pair, leading to false accusations of infidelity, misdirected beatings, and even claims of witchcraft.  Due to the heightened nature of the text, those unfamiliar with the play might find it helpful to read a full synopsis in advance.

Unlike Flashback’s mainstage programming that features all adult cast members, The Comedy of Errors, as part of Flashback’s SomerStage Training Ground program, will feature an ensemble of young performers ages 12-18. By giving these students the opportunity to perform onstage alongside more experienced adult actors, Flashback is providing them with an unparalleled opportunity for taking the next step. “Flashback Theater has always been a champion for education and professional development,” says Producing Artistic Director Sommer Schoch, “from our early days of Let’s Play! Second Saturday workshops (provided for free) to more intensive Masterclasses in the summers – not to mention various Junior Cast opportunities. Giving our artists the chance to learn new techniques allows them to grow their talents, which improves Flashback productions and also encourages a growth atmosphere in the creative community as a whole.”

This production will take on a new genre for Flashback Theater: Physical Theater. Examples of physical theater range from classical examples like Commedia dell’arte or Japanese Kabuki theater, to contemporary British companies like DV8 or Frantic Assembly. For this production, performers will record their lines in advance of the rehearsals & performances, allowing them to focus on a physically embodied portrayal of the emotions and story. As a reference to classical forms of physical theater, actors will wear half faced masks. Director Frangos’ vision is to use elements of movement and sound to create one cohesive symphonic action. 

This creative vision will challenge the actors while also tackling the need for a creative solution to issues with sound that have existed in the space in the past.  “The sound system is not optimal for out doors,” says Director Amber Frangos, “My actors work diligently to learn their lines and on performance night they cannot be heard. So, I thought, “why not have an omniscient narrator while the actors act out the action?” We had a few discussions and it seemed more natural to have each character record their lines.”

You may recognize a few familiar faces anchoring the cast. Bailey Patterson plays Adriana, the wife of Antipholus of Ephesus, who mistakes Antipholus of Syracuse’s flirtatious behavior with her sister for adultery on the part of her husband. Michele L. Hinton plays Aegeon, a merchant wanted by the law, who also happens to be the lost father of the twins Antipholus.

Michele L. Hinton  (Aegeon/Nell) is a self-published, multi-genre author of several novels, children’s books and poetry and short stories. She recently performed in Somerset Community College’s production of Almost, Maine and Flashback Theater’s summer production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It. She also had a cameo appearance on America’s Got Talent, Season 13.

Bailey Patterson (Adriana) considers Flashback Theater to be her theatrical home, where she has been involved since 2016. This May, she will graduate from the University of Kentucky with two degrees in both Theatre and Disability Studies. At Flashback, her roles have included Sheri in American Hero, Lydia in Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, Celine in The American Parade, and most recently, Rosalind in As You Like It.

Adult newcomers to the Flashback stage include Macy Brown,Brian Estes, and Mahayla Mounce. Macy Brown plays one half of our twin protagonists, Antipholus of Syracuse. Brian Estes plays one half of the clownish twin set of servants named Dromio, himself playing the half hailing from Ephesus. Mahayla Mounce plays Angelo, a hardworking goldsmith, as well as working as a puppeteer.

Macy Brown (Antipholus of Syracuse) has been in multiple plays with the Gusto Theatre Company, most recently as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She has also written and directed a play called The Legend of Charlie Copperhead with her sister. She also enjoys playing piano and reading.

Brian Estes (Dromio of Ephesus) is relatively new to the stage, after performing in the 2nd Annual Ten Minute and Short Play Festival at Somerset Community College as the Exuberant Retreatant and Father of the Bride, as well as playing Biff in an excerpt from Death of a Salesman in his acting class. He has taken classes with both Thomas Alvey and Steve Cleberg at SCC, and has gained the confidence and ability to audition for this production.

Mahayla Mounce (Angelo & Others) is a local artist and musician with theater experience both on and behind the scenes, having performed in her highschool’s production of The Music Man, worked as an Assistant Stage Manager and prop-master on The 39 Steps, and is currently the Stage Manager for the 10th Annual Cabaret. She is very excited to be working on a play that provides new perspectives, challenges, and a feeling of home.

Our young performers, known as the SomerStage Youth Training Ensemble, will also take on exciting roles, with a few even playing key parts in the production. John Langford plays the long lost twin waiting for Antipholus of Syracuse at Ephesus, Antipholus of Ephesus. Noah Tomlinson plays Dromio of Syracuse, the identical twin of the clownish Dromio of Ephesus. Rylee Moore plays Luciana, Adriana’s younger sister who becomes the object of Antipholus of Syracuse’ affection. Kailyn Ball plays the long lost mother of the Antipholus twins, known as the Abbess, as well as two different merchants. Isaac Denney plays Duke Solinus, a ruler thoroughly dedicated to upholding the laws of Ephesus.

Noah Tomlinson (Dromio of Syracuse)
The Comedy of Errors is Noah’s fourth Flashback production. He recently played Enoch/Adger (u/s) in May’s production of Brother Wolf. He is so excited to have the opportunity to grow into his talent!

Rylee Moore (Luciana) is a young upcoming actress who enjoys acting, singing, writing and spending time with friends and family. Active in multiple community theaters for the last nine years her favorite roles include Miss Hannigan in Annie Jr. with Lake Cumberland Children’s Theater and Celia in As You Like It at Flashback Theater.

Kailyn Ball (Merchant & Others) is a student at Southwestern High School where she enjoys being a part of the theater department. She played in the high school’s production of All the Boys Love Mary and This Year’s Roaring Revue, both written by Steve Cleberg. Along with Flashback Theater Company The 39 Steps. This will be her second show with Flashback Theater Company. She is excited to be on the stage with several Flashback regulars.

Isaac Denney (Duke Solinas & Others) is going into the 7th grade at Science Hill School. He made his Flashback debut at the Virginia Theater in A Miracle on 34th Street. Isaac has also enjoyed the world of film, being involved in several film projects with his papa, Steve Cleberg. Isaac’s hobbies include gardening, gaming and playing the trombone in the school band. He looks forward to being involved in theater in the future.

It takes a village behind the scenes to make theater happen. Mary Clark brings her years of experience as a Stage Manager in Cincinnati to Flashback Theater, where she makes sure to keep the chaos onstage. Thomas Alvey, Jade Ellis, and Steve Cleberg bring their unique perspectives to the stage in the artistic positions of Assistant Director, Movement Coach, and Adaptor/Recording Engineer. The show’s design aspects will include work by Steffanie Phillipi, Steve Cleberg, Sommer Schoch, and Kathy Moore.

Mary Clark (Stage Manager/Voice of Servant)
In a previous life, Mary was Production Stage Manager for Ensemble Theatre in Cincinnati, Ohio and worked with other theater companies in the area. After decades away from the theater, Mary is thrilled to be behind the scenes again. 

Thomas Alvey (Assistant Director/Courtesan & Others) is the newest Fine Arts Coordinator at Somerset Community College. Previously, Alvey has directed Almost, Maine (SCC), 15 Short and Ten-Minute Plays (SCC and Lindsey Wilson College), the Junior Cast of As You Like It and The American Parade (FbTC). Alvey was also Assistant Director for The American Parade (FbTC) and Steel Magnolias (SCC). 

Jade Ellis (Movement Coach) has directed five mainstage shows for FbTC including A Miracle on 34th Street, The Mousetrap, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, and Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley. Prior to directing, Ellis appeared on FbTC and SCC stages for many years. 

Kathy Moore (Costume Design) is a long time supporter and volunteer of anything her daughter Rylee is a part of. Known for her ability to know a little about everything and not master anything. Her motto is “it’s fine, it’s fine, I’m fine”. 

Steve Cleberg (Script Adaptation/Recording Engineer)
After thirty-four years in the position, Steve Cleberg retired as the Director of Theatre Arts at Somerset Community College in 2020. He has directed and acted in over one hundred plays. At SCC, his directing credits include Fiddler on the Roof, The Glass Menagerie, Children of a Lesser God, The Tempest, The Fantasticks, Crimes of the Heart, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. For Flashback Theater, Cleberg appeared as an actor in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, The Lady’s Not for Burning and The Book of Will. He also serves on the Flashback’s Board of Directors.

Steffani Phillipi (Set Design/Prop Master) is returning to the set, this time literally as a set designer! She loves the arts. Her FbTC credits include acting in The American Parade and Boats Against the Current. She also appeared in The Ten Minute Play Festival at SCC. 

This unique opportunity to experience Shakespeare in our own community connects us to an enduring tradition. “What I love about working with Shakespeare is the timelessness of his plays,” muses Frangos, “It is impossible to overlook the thread of humanity throughout Shakespeare’s words in all of his works.”

Production Information

The Comedy of Errors
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Amber Frangos

July 25-27, 2024

Joe Ford Amphitheater at Rocky Hollow Park

Performed in a new style of symphonic physical theater, Flashback Theater puts an innovative new spin on this beloved farce. Everything isn’t what it seems when two sets of identical twins accidentally separated at birth collide catastrophically in a series of madcap mishaps. Shakespeare’s classic tale of mistaken identity puts a slapstick spin on love, family, and the hilarity of coincidence. This performance is part of the SomerStage Training Ground Series, giving local students the opportunity to perform and train alongside our adult cast members.

Performance Dates and Times

Friday, July 25, 2024
Saturday, July 26, 2024
Sunday, July 27, 2024

Ticket Information

Tickets can be purchased online at: https://fbtc.ticketleap.com/comedyoferrors/ or by calling the box office at (888) 394-3282, ext. 1. Box office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

Ticket Prices

We are excited to share our show with you, whatever the amount you are able to contribute to this production. Choose from one of our regular ticket prices or set your own price. 

Seating

Festival style seating: first come, first serve. Audience members should plan to bring their own seating, a camp chair or picnic blanket is recommended. 

Weather Policy

Performances are subject to weather, if a performance is cancelled, you may present your ticket to any remaining performance. Patrons with advance reservations will be notified by email and/or phone in the event of a cancellation.

Season Sponsors & Supporters

Flashback Theater is grateful to our 2023-24 Spotlight Sponsors: Applied Behavioral Advancements, M&W Printing, Kentucky Tourism Arts & Heritage Cabinet, The Shubert Foundation, The City of Somerset, David Daring Rentals, and Fenix Digital; as well as our Footlight Sponsors: Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital & Lake Cumberland Residency Programs, First & Farmer’s National Bank, The Weigel Family, United Cumberland Bank, T. Ronald Kidd Trust, Kinetic by Windstream, Somerset Community College, Toyotetsu America, Inc. (TTAI), Brad Bigelow of Century 21 Advantage Realty, and Buffalo Wings & Rings.

The Comedy of Errors is presented with support from the show’s Title sponsor: Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA). Additional support is provided by Artist Sponsors, Keller Williams Commonwealth, First Southern National Bank, Pulaski County Government, and Huffman & Huffman P.S.C. as well as Design Sponsors Dairy Queen of Somerset, Forcht Bank of Somerset, and Keller Williams Commonwealth.