THE PLAY: A romantic comedy featuring an assortment of Shakespeare’s tropes: banished royalty, broad buffoons, women disguised as men and frustrated love.

 

THE PRODUCTION: For this play, the plot isn’t as important as the variety of exchanges, which requires able-bodied casting to handle the language. In the first act, there’s lots of dialogue that doesn’t connect (the WWE wrestling match is the highlight). Act Two starts with a delightful romantic romp from John Mincks and Taylor Lyn Dawson. After that, the energetic momentum continues. As the primary pair of lovers, CJ Bergin and Rebecca Turner are enjoyable. Humorous standouts include Nicole Morris-Anastasi and Luke Schares (who milks the famous All the World’s a Stage speech). Director James Ricks has added plenty of clever bits to spice up the interactions. He’s kept the pace crackling and added an accordionist (Juan Harmon) for musical zest. Cora Delbridge’s appealing costumes feature attire that’s mostly early 1900s. Running time: 2:35

 

THE POINT: This able cast has plenty of comic energy that comes to full fun fruition in Act Two.

 

(3.5 / 5)

 

The Richmond Shakespeare Festival at Agecroft thru 7/29