S.F. Shakes' 3-Ring Circus

By Susan Steinberg, The Independent
PAGE 2- JULY 23,2009

The circus has set up its tent in Pleasanton's Aquatic Park. No, wait. . . it's actually San Francisco
Shakespeare Festival's new production, "The Comedy of Errors."

Shakespeare's dizzy farce is a hoot in itself, but given a riotous new staging in this year's travelling performance. Now in its 27th year of presenting free Shakespeare in the Bay Area's public parks, SF Shakes brings its zany production to the Valley through August 2.

A warm opening weekend brought out large crowds to laugh and clap through the nonstop funfest. Children especially enjoyed the juggling (including knives, and flaming torches), teens the tap and jerky dancing, adults the clever ad-libs, like, "Dromio, Dromio, wherefore art thou Dromio?"

And, everyone appreciated the rare pleasure of hearing the Bard's clearly enunciated lines. Even the convoluted puns and word-plays were completely understandable, and unusual vocabulary was
neatly "translated" in helpful asides.

Swordplay, pratfalls and burlesqued characters all seemed to fit in quite naturally with the circus theme, which at times more resembled "Beach Blanket Babylon." This critic's initial culture shock quickly gave way to wholehearted enjoyment of the hysterical shitck and great spirit of fun.

Only a Scrooge could fail to enjoy this light-hearted entertainment, which kept multi-generational family groups happily attentive for several hours. (When squirmy little boys pay rapt attention at a Shakespeare performance, you KNOW this company is really wonderful!)

How do they do it for free? Partly with the help of supportive donors, foundation grants, and arts
commissions, plus the generous contributions of happy audiences after each show. After all, who
wouldn't kick in at least the price of some movie tickets in appreciation for such a fine live performance under the stars?

So pack a portable supper, or at least a few munchies, and bring a blanket or low chairs to Pleasanton's Amador Community Park, located on Black Avenue just off Santa Rita Road. The stage is just behind the swimming pool, with ample grass space to spread out and be comfortable.

If you haven't brushed up your Shakespeare lately, come early enough to picnic and read the
cleverly illustrated plot synopsis in the program. Not that it really matters once the action starts, but it will certainly help you remember how it all happened (and answer the children's questions).

The price is right and the performers are amazing, so don't miss this very entertaining evening.