Anya Kai reporting
New York City’s vibrant summer theatre scene is set to be enriched by the Shakespeare Sports Theatre Company’s “Shakespeare Summer Tour,” featuring a new production of William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” under the seasoned direction of Michael Hagins. This free, outdoor rendition promises a “hilariously haywire” experience, inviting audiences to revel in the Bard’s timeless comedic genius across various parks and performance spaces in July and August.
Michael Hagins stands as a celebrated Shakespearean artist in NYC, boasting an extensive and impressive career deeply rooted in the Bard’s works. His directorial resume alone is a testament to his profound engagement with Shakespeare’s canon, encompassing nearly every play, from the tragedies of Macbeth, Hamlet, and King Lear to comedies like A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night. This broad experience has honed his ability to breathe new life into classic texts, making them accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences.
For Hagins, the enduring appeal of Shakespeare lies in its “relevant themes and amazing comic timing.” He expresses immense enjoyment in “not only just creating Shakespeare, but interpreting the various ways it can be seen and heard.” This interpretive freedom is a key differentiator from modern works, which he finds “much more finite and don’t have the room to be interpreted.” Shakespeare, in contrast, offers a “carte blanche” to tell one’s “own version of the story” through adjustments in costumes, set, or even subtle character traits.
“The Comedy of Errors,” a frolicsome farce centered on mistaken identities, is a perfect vehicle for Hagins’ interpretive prowess. The play famously features two sets of identical twins – Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant Dromio, who unwittingly arrive in a city already inhabited by their doppelgängers, Antipholus of Ephesus and his own Dromio. Hagins highlights that the enduring popularity of mistaken identity plots, where “girls dressing up as boys and royalty pretending to be commoners (and vice versa),” remains “something fun for everyone.” He anticipates that audiences will delight in “wondering WHY they can’t see the obvious differences between the characters” in his production, particularly with the actors utilizing masks.
Beyond the practical benefit of no royalties, Hagins firmly believes that Shakespeare’s work continues to captivate audiences centuries later because it remains “funny; Shakespeare is still tragic; and Shakespeare is still relevant even after over 400 years.” He underscores the unique connection live theatre fosters, where each performance is a singular event: “there never was before and never will be a performance like mine.” This dedication to reimagining classic stories for new generations underscores his passion for keeping the Bard’s legacy vibrant.
The “Shakespeare Summer Tour” for “The Comedy of Errors” has a schedule that includes performances at Riverside Church (July 17 at 7 pm), St. Francis Cabrini Shrine (July 19 and 20 at 4 pm), Summit Rock in Central Park (July 26 and August 2, both at 2 pm), and Pat’s Lawn in Inwood Hill Park (July 27 at 2 pm). All these events are free, making Shakespeare accessible to a wide audience. The cast for this production includes Vic Gitre, Charlie Keegan James, Emily Glaser, Jennifer Kim, Melissa Meli, Erica Gerold, Katie Freimann, Lila Ashley Meyers, Kasey Cznowski, Hayley Berketa, and Molly Feisher.
Looking ahead, Michael Hagins’ artistic journey continues. He revealed that Fork the Odds Productions will be presenting a Shakespearean version of “The Princess Bride” titled As You Wish It, scheduled for the Little Shakespeare Festival in August. With his extensive experience and innovative approach, Michael Hagins continues to be a driving force in bringing Shakespeare to life for NYC audiences.
ARTIUM: OMNI 