 |
| Justin Jain, Michael O’Brien, Wayne T. Carr and Steve Pacek. Photo by Michael Brosilow. |
If William Shakespeare were a DJ, he might be called MC Willy Shakes. And if his slapstick play The Comedy of Errors was set in modern times with a hip-hop twist, it would be called The Bomb-itty of Errors. The Milwaukee Rep will premiere this “ad-rap-tation” this weekend.
Noting the similarities between his poetic prose of rhyming couplets and hip-hop verses, Bomb-itty director Megan O’Brien refers to Shakespeare as “the first rapper.” This hip-hop retelling is a modern twist of a farce, focusing on the reunion of two sets of twins separated at birth and the havoc they create in the city of Ephesus when their lives collide.
Because I am not too familiar with the art of “ad-rap-tation,” I asked O’Brien to clarify a few things:
So is it a musical?
I think of it as a play that pushes the boundaries of what a musical can be. It definitely takes musical talent and skill, but not in a different way than more traditional musical theater. This show is all about rhythm and vocal percussion.
Is the whole thing rapped?
Most of the play is rapped, some to music and some a cappella. The a cappella sections are usually spoken rhyming couplets.
Does the play appeal to Shakespeare fans or hip-hop enthusiasts?
It actually bridges the gap between the two. In my opinion, Shakespeare was the first rapper, so I think doing a hip-hop version of his show couldn’t be more appropriate. I think there’s something for everyone in this show, whether you love or hate Shakespeare or hip-hop.
The cast of both seasoned Rep performer (Wayne T. Carr) and a couple of fellas from Philly (Justin Jain, Michael Philip O’Brien, Steve Pacek and Mark Valenzuela) present the multi-character show. The partially modernized story tells the tale of not one but two sets of twins, both sets have the same names – Antipholus and Dromio. After their parents commit suicide, the boys move to opposite coasts, so there is Antipholus of Syracuse (AS) and Dromio of Syracuse (DS) vs. Antipholus of Ephesus (AE) and Dromio of Ephesus (DE). Coincidentally, they all become successful rappers, but their personalities couldn’t be more different, especially when it comes to their romantic habits.
Thirty years later, all the brothers travel to Ephesus on tour. Trouble sets in when the rowdy, tail-chasing boys’ lives intersect with the married twins with reputations to uphold. Curious characters like a jealous wife, an “herb”-selling Rastafarian doctor, a Jewish merchant and a street-smart hooker come into the story to create an abundance of confusion and comedy.
O’Brien is the co-founder and resident director of 11th Hour Theatre Company, a Philadelphia-based company that pushes the limits of musical theater. DJ Mark Valenzuela is a Philadelphia sound designer whose recent credits include RENT, ROOMS and AVENUE X and playwright Jordan Allen-Dutton has diverse experience in both playwriting and television screenwriting. Additional co-creators include Jason Catalano, Gregory Qaiyum, Erik Weiner and Jeffrey Qaiyum.
Bomb-itty of Errors will be at the Rep’s Stackner Cabaret from March 20-May 8. Call 414-224-9490 or click here for tickets.
One more not to miss: The Constellations at Mad Planet Saturday, March 19, 9 p.m. Catch this rap-rock group from Atlanta, reminiscent of the Gorillaz, along with Milwaukee’s own Herman Astro and DJ Tarik Moody from Radio Milwaukee.
Listeners of 88.9 might recognize the song Felicia – see the saucy video here. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.
