Wayside Theater Presents COMEDY OF ERRORS 4/17-19

Wayside Theatre Artistic Director Warner Crocker today announced Wayside Theater will present the Shakespeare's "Comedy of Errors" The second production in the Emerging Artist in Action Program for the 2008-2009 Season will be presented at the Skyline High School in Front Royal, Virginia. "Comedy of Errors" opens April 17- 19.

Comedy of Errors is Shakespeare's shortest and one of his most farcical plays. A major part of the humor coming from slapstick and mistaken identity, in addition to puns and wordplay. Two twins separated and lost since infancy and mistaken identities make for hilarious complications as the two men search for their identical twin. Sarah Blackwell, Director of Education said, "This play provides a perfect platform for two of our long-time Young Performers Workshop participates, the Davidson twins." The twin characters are being played by real-life twins, Jennifer and Jessica Davidson of Winchester.

Warner Crocker, Artist Director and the director of Comedy of Errors states, "This Emerging Artist program allows young people the chance to perform alongside professional adult actors. They do not get that opportunity very often. And we are excited about being able to offer this performing opportunity for the young adults in our region" Warner Crocker says, "It is age-appropriate casting, usually if there are young characters in a play, I cast adults who look really young."

Warner Crocker and Sarah Blackwell, Director of Education program chose to present the story using local teenagers in the lead parts. "There has been a lot of interest in tackling Shakespeare by our local youth," says Crocker. Sarah Blackwell says, "They are really phenomenal and surprise us daily. The young adults have been instructed in speaking of Shakespeare's dialogue and stage combat for this production, we even had a Shakespeare boot camp in order to help them to get into character"

The cast, includes local youth: Jennifer Davison (Dromio of Syracuse), Jessica Davidson (Dromio of Ephesus), Caleb Caudill, John Barbagallo, Chris Clark, Molly Knudsen, Noah Scheibmeir, Josh Shelor, Becca Shelor, Brandon Shockey, Tori Short, Tyler Tharpe, Julia Shaffer and Paul Rush with professional actors: Sarah Blackwell, Matt Baldoni, Rick Hesson, Adam Gearhart, Leah Raulerson, and Dacia Dick. The play is directed by Warner Crocker and Set Design by Til Turner, Costume Design by Catherine Lovejoy and Lighting Design by Paul Callahan.

Wayside Theatre's "Comedy of Errors" will be performed at Skyline High School, 151 Skyline Vista Road in Front Royal. Comedy of Errors official opening night is Friday, April 17 at 7:30 PM. Performances will continue through April 19. Ticket prices are $12 to $15 dollars for adults and $10 for children 5 to 17. Group discounts are also available. Performances are on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM., Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30 PM and two student matinees will also be available school classes on April 21 and 22.

Wayside Theatre is the second oldest professional theatre in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and is celebrating

its 47th season of presenting high quality, professional entertainment in 2008-2009. Single tickets, subscription

packages and group packages can be obtained by calling the Box Office at (540) 869-1776. Additional information

can be obtained on the theatre's website at www.waysidetheatre.org. Wayside Theatre is located in Middletown,

Virginia on Route 11, Main Street, just north of the intersection of I-66 and I-81.