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TIP OF THE WEEK
The Bomb-itty of Errors

Nina Metz

Though not as stellar as last year's performance, the current production of "The Bomb-itty of Errors," a modern, hip-hop version of Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors," is a hell of a ride. The cast is different this time around, and it is most noticeable (and disappointing) in the role of the DJ. Perhaps unavoidably, the five original cast members (most of whom performed here last summer) moved on to other projects. Their replacements almost nail it, but occasionally have trouble getting the rhymes to roll off their tongues. You sense the strain, but it's such a blast you don't care. The plot—two sets of twins separated since birth are reunited after a case of mistaken identities—is narrated with raps that borrow in style and tone from the Beastie Boys, Dr. Dre, Shabba Ranks and Cypress Hill. The writing itself combines smarts and frat boy humor: "I just arrived in Ephesus/and was approached by this huge pair of breastesses." Of the five performers, the two guys in dresses stand out: Chris Edwards, as the hilarious, falsetto-voiced bimbo Luciana, and "ranney" (yes, that's is how he is listed in the program, quotes and all) as Adriana, who looks like Bernie Mac in drag.

"The Bomb-itty of Errors" plays through September 1 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand, (312)595-5600.

(2002-06-27)

Also by Nina Metz

TIP OF THE WEEK
The three solo performances that make up the "Love" half of the Steppenwolf Garage's "Love & Sin" series are thankfully neither mushy nor gushy.
(2002-06-20)

TIP OF THE WEEK
San Francisco-based writer/performer Scott Capurro leaves little to the imagination when he and fellow actor John Cardone step on stage at the beginning of "Fucking Our Fathers."
(2002-06-13)

TIP OF THE WEEK
There's something telling in Naomi Iizuka's decision to title her play, "Tattoo Girl," though it is based on a short story called "Perpetua." Both titles refer to women in the story, yet it is the tattoo girl who is the more precisely drawn and compelling character in this play about personal freedom and self discovery.
(2002-06-06)

VARIETY SHOW
On June 2, a substantial Chicago contingent scored honors at the 2002 Tony awards—this just after The New York Times ran an article touting Chicago as, "the city that's of primary interest to theater people in New York." Gee, thanks.
(2002-06-06)

TIP OF THE WEEK
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TIP OF THE WEEK
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TIP OF THE WEEK
(2002-05-09)

TIP OF THE WEEK
(2002-05-02)

TIP OF THE WEEK
(2002-04-25)

TIP OF THE WEEK
(2002-04-18)

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(2002-04-11)

TIP OF THE WEEK
(2002-04-04)



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