Cast Update – Week Three - Delaware Shakespeare

The cast ended the third week of rehearsal for The Comedy of Errors by doing their first run-through of the entire play. At this point in rehearsals, DSF asked cast members to share their thoughts on two questions (one serious, one not so much).

What did you learn from going through the entirety of The Comedy of Errors for the first time?
If your character had a theme song, what would it be be?

SEAN CLOSE
This isn’t necessarily a revelation about the action within the play, but about the action around the play and the event of us performing this show. Our designers attended the first run, so it felt like we had our first small audience. I realized that there’s no hiding for us actors when we get off stage because we’re still seen. And that’s part of the fun and magic of this kind of theatre! We’re all there for the event and the story, both actors and audience. By us being that present both on and off the stage, it feels like we create the play not for, but with that live audience.

Dromio of Syracuse’s song is “Over Under Sideways Down” by the Yardbirds. It’s the quintessential song for feeling disoriented and like your world is all topsy turvy. The lead guitar places this Eastern-inspired, sitar-like guitar lick throughout that also feels appropriate for the town of Ephesus.

FRANKIE GALLUCCI
There are so many variables when working on an outdoor theatre piece. The “natural lighting” constantly moves, bugs fly rampant, and sticks fall out of the sky. In the spirit of The Comedy of Errors, these variables actually WORK into the madness when we are present and on our toes.

The Courtesan’s song is “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

Director David Stradley taking notes during rehearsal

SAVANNAH JACKSON
After the first run through of The Comedy of Errors I realized how quickly the conflict builds. Every scene welcomes more confusion and chaos, until the end when all is revealed! After running the show, I began to feel the weight of trying to keep my sister calm throughout the course of the play, falling in love with my sister’s husband, and also encouraging my brother-in-law to be unfaithful in the “right” way. The last scene of the play, when the truth is revealed about the twins, feels like a colossal relief.

Luciana’s theme song could be “Satisfied” from Hamilton written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. This song highlights the struggle of a woman who is deeply in love with her brother-in-law!

LOGAN KUBA
Running the show out at Rockwood is both challenging and encouraging. It was a challenge to remember certain moments of blocking while acting in a space that I’m not super familiar with. It was encouraging to have made it through the whole show and I am looking forward to continued growth in the rehearsals before tech.

I’m not sure if you’ll be able to publish this on the DSF website, but my theme song for 2nd Merchant is “[Bleep] Better Have My Money” by Rihanna (solely for the main chorus).

BRENDAN MOSER
During the run, I discovered a new sense of the twists and turns that occur while visiting Ephesus. I could feel the vibe of the city and the energy it creates, however, as soon as I begin to feel like I can start to make sense of the city and its citizens, chaos starts again.

Antipholus of Syracuse’s theme song is “Madness” by Muse.

ABDUL SESAY
After completing the first run through of this show I learned that all the characters have to be sure and adamant about what they think they know. That contributes heavily to the lunacy and confusion of the play.

The Officer’s theme song is “Mad World” by Tears for Fears.

TWOEY TRUONG
The timing of the show is very important. Entrances, exits, and the general flow of the scenes must keep the audience engaged, so we will work to maintain a pace that allows the audience to understand the story without dragging.

Two characters, two theme songs! The Duke – “Run the World” by Beyoncé. Angelo – “Grace Kelly” by Mika.