Gettysburg High School is set to bring the comedic genius of Shakespeare to life with The Comedy of Errors, a high-energy, laughter-filled production that will run on November 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. With a focus on mistaken identities and the journey of self-discovery, the play promises a delightful evening for the entire community.
At its core, The Comedy of Errors is about understanding who you are and the chaos that can ensue when that understanding is blurred. “The trouble that comes with mistaken identity, whether it’s other people not understanding who you are or you not understanding who you are,” said co-Director Connie Tarbox. “It’s about being true to yourself,” added co-Director Lance Windish
The team behind the play is thrilled to finally perform in front of a live audience. “I love seeing people doing large door-slamming, farces and extreme physical comedy,” said Tarbox. Windish is also looking forward to the unique aspects of performing Shakespeare. “I’m excited about Shakespeare and people in the audience hearing Shakespeare,” he said. “The heightened language lets us find a way of being more poetical in our everyday lives and opens us up.”
Both directors bring a wealth of experience to the stage. Tarbox, a professional since 1995, and Windish, since 1994, have a long history with theater. Senior Sophia Willard, now in her fourth show with the directing couple says, “I just remember I was really terrified for my first show in the high school. I cannot explain or describe how thankful I am that my first show was done with Connie and Lance,” she said, “They don’t only care about the show, they care about the cast.”
For those unsure about Shakespeare, Tarbox offers reassurance. “Even if you think Shakespeare is hard to understand, you don’t need to be familiar with it to enjoy the storytelling of the performance. There’s a lot happening physically that will help you fill in the blanks if any of the language might go over your head.”
The directors find personal meaning in The Comedy of Errors. “Know thyself,” emphasized Windish. “It’s super important to know who you are and how you fit in with other people… if not, you’ll be unhappy and a complete wreck.” Tarbox sees the play as a reminder not to take life too seriously. “If you take your mistakes too seriously, you’ll be drastically unhappy. Once you learn to laugh at your mistakes and grow from them, life is so much easier. I think The Comedy of Errors is teaching us to live life as a comedy and not a tragedy.”
With a mix of physical comedy, Shakespearean wit, and timeless themes, The Comedy of Errors at Gettysburg High School promises a night of laughter and reflection.
Tickets are available for $10 at the door of the Gettysburg High School Auditorium, 1130 Old Harrisburg RD, Gettysburg PA.
The cast list is as follows:
Antipholus of Ephesus: Mercedes Tresise
Antipholus of Syracuse: Leah Smith
Dromio of Ephesus: Trey Tarbox Windish
Dromio of Syracuse: Hannah Campbell
Viola: Aurelia Visher
Sebastian: Cc Lebon-Hill
Duke Orsino Solinus: Winaida Flaherty
Sir Toby Belch: Elizabeth Gliem
Olivia: Evey Wilson
Sir Andrew Aguecheek: Spencer Muhl
Maria: Angel Chipps
Adriana: Savannah Schneider
Luciana: Lily Jorgensen
The Merchant Antonio & Angelo: Olivia Forbes
Feste: Dhagen Patterson
Luce & Curio: Kiri Ridinger
Malvolio: Salem Palmer
Captain Valentine: Grayson Miller
Chap Mercer II & Balthasar: Katherine Weikert
Fabiana the Courtesan: Mahlia Crunnel
Aegeon: Lonnie Miller
Abbess Emilia: Sophia Willard
Hannah Campbell, intern, is a senior in high school and has lived in Gettysburg for 10 years. She enjoys writing fictional stories and historical research papers and is thrilled to be able to write for Gettysburg Connection.