Theatre & Stage reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff

Short Shakespeare at the Pier (thru March 19)

Once again, Family Saturday's at Chicago Shakespeare will present a bridged production of one of the classics of William Shakespeare. This is truly a delightful program that although designed to acquaint youngsters with these works can also work well for adults. There are a lot of people who cannot get "into" Shakespeare due to the length of some of the works and the words. So while this program was designed to teach youngsters, I see many adults (young and old) walking out of the theater having a new outlook on the works of "The Bard."

This years' presentation is "The Comedy of Errors." The story told is that of Antipholus and his servant searching for their long lost twin brothers. Everywhere they go people greet them as old friends. This comedy is filled with mayhem and madness as the identical twin brothers and their identical twin servants get lost in a world of mistaken identities. David H. Bell directs this 75 minute version and brings this play within a play to America during the Depression.This is another way that the play will be more understandable.

The cast of Short Shakespeare! The Comedy of Errors, includes, Will Dickerson, McKinley Carter, Jose Antonio Garcia, Jonathan Pereira, Timothy Hull, David Tibble, Lucia Spina,Michelle Hensley, Joe Schneck, Michael Andrew Gorman and Krishna LeFan. The show begins January 29th and runs every Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. through March 19th. Immediately following the play, the actors stay on stage for a question and answer period and then to the lobby to speak with the children and have photos taken (bring your camera for this part). The sponsors - Quaker, Tropicana (part of Pepsico) will provide "healthy snacks".

Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults. A TRUE BARGAIN!

If you have not attended the fantastic Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, this may be your opportunity to do so. To enjoy this Saturday morning with your family makes it even better. For further information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 312-595-5600 or go online to www.chicagoshakes.com.