Although it was written in the 18th century, Venetian playwright Carlo Goldoni’s witty The Servant of Two Masters has endured for centuries.
Latest group to have fun with Goldoni’s frenetic farce are the always keen and creative students of the Earl Marriott Theatre Company, who will present a modern adaptation of the play this week (April 23-26 at 7:30 p.m., April 27 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) at the school’s Wheelhouse Theatre, 15751 16 Ave.
The current adaptation, by Tracy Young and Oded Gross, with original music by Paul James Prendergast, was a huge hit at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
Descibed as a “crazy romp” by drama teacher and director Candace Radcliffe, the adaptation takes the clever physical comedy concepts of Goldoni’s original – first written in 1743 and revised a decade later – and combines them with modern-day references and an abundance of “very, very silly jokes.”
Central to the appeal of the play is the rascally but loveable character Truffaldino, a perpetually hungry servant who – due to a complex series of circumstances – schemes to double his wages, and meals, by serving two masters at the same time.
Goldoni himself borrowed many of his characters from the stock roles of the improvisational Commedia dell’arte of the Italian Renaissance, and that free-wheeling spirit continues in the current production, Radcliffe said, noting that, because of a few mature innuendos, the show is not recommended for children under 12.
But it’s sure to delight both high-school age and adult audiences, she said.
“It’s full of mischief and mayhem, lost love, disguises, dancing, singing, pen fights and misunderstandings.”
Those who like to gain insights into the process of theatre should also note that the 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday April 27 will be followed by a 15-minute talk-back with members of the cast and crew.
Tickets ($16, seniors $14, students $12) are on sale at the Wheelhouse box office during lunches and after school.
Call 604-542-2181 for more information or to reserve seats.