By Carlo Goldoni
Translated and Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher and Paolo Emilio Landi

~A cross between traditional Italian commedia and postmodern vaudeville, this new version of Goldoni's classic pits the madcap servant Truffaldino against masters, mistresses, lovers, lawyers and twenty-seven plates of meatballs. Imagine a Bob Hope or Woody Allen comedy written by Monty Python and performed with the physical bravura of Chaplin or Keaton.

Production Photo Album

About Commedia Dell’ Arte
We’re pleased to present a show that we consider to be a classic story from the commedia dell’ arte style of Italian theatre. In short, commedia was a popular form of theatrical performance beginning in the 1500’s and continuing through the 1700’s when Goldoni revived and adapted the form for his contemporary audience. Commedia employed a set of easily recognizable characters caught up in any number of recurring plot lines. The story presented here of mistaken identities, the bumbling servant, and familial rivalries could just as easily have been a part of dozens of other commedia plays in addition to this one, The Servant of Two Masters.
It should be noted, however, that true commedia is an art form requiring advanced study and exceptional physical training. Additionally, many characters in a classical commedia piece would wear very specific masks and prescriptive costumes to make them instantly recognizable to their audiences. For our purposes, we were drawn to this play for its wonderful humor and snappy dialogue and have decided to forgo even attempting to recreate an accurate commedia experience. We believe you’ll find our end result to be a fast-paced, hilarious play. At least, that’s what we think it is. If you agree, that’s wonderful – please tell us how great you think it was. If you think we’re wrong and you find it to be anything less than hilarious, please kindly keep your opinions to yourself.

About the Authors
Carlo Goldoni was among the most successful and famous of all commedia playwrights. His stories blend elements of Shakespeare with Hollywood-inspiring slapstick humor.
Jeffrey Hatcher is a prominent local playwright. His many successful shows include Three Viewings, Scotland Road, Neddy, and Fellow Travelers among several others. We are delighted to have the opportunity to support and feature such a respected and accomplished member of the Twin Cities arts community.
Paolo Emilio Landi is a preeminent expert in commedia dell’ arte in Italy. He worked with Mr. Hatcher and the Milwaukee Reparatory Theatre in the development of this adaptation of The Servant of Two Masters.

Cast
Truffaldino................... Jesse Boyd
Beatrice....................... Paige Christina
Pantalone.................... Jacob Bauernfeind
Smeraldina................... Mary Borrell
Florindo....................... Curtis Roth
Clarice......................... Allyson Lawrey
Lombardi..................... Isaac Cody
Silvio........................... Marc Berg
Brighella...................... Jennifer Gustason
Porter......................... Andrew Newman
Stage Manager........... John Krueger
1st Waiter.................. Jessica McCourt
2nd Waiter.................. David Allen
Ensemble/ Townspeople Andy Mulllin, Derek Matz, Kelly Roth
Kate Pearson, Adam Swanson, AJ Nold, Kayla Beissel

Setting: Venice - 1700’s

Performance Crew
Stage Manager.................... Ashley Strausser
Light Board Operator........... Evan Horton
Sound Board Operator......... Emily Gustason
Assistant Stage Manager.... Malinda Davis
Running Crew: Lizabe Mothershead, Ben Howell, Meeghan Johnson, Heidi Kraft
Amelia Little, Cami Little, Leigh Maesaka, Britt Montgomery, Katie Schoen, Jenny Lokhorst

Set Crew: Malinda Davis, Emily Gustason, Evan Horton, Ben Howell, Meeghan Johnson
Heidi Kraft, Amelia Little, Cami Little, Leigh Maesaka, Britt Montgomery, Lizabe Mothershead, Katie Schoen, Ashley Strausser, Jenny Lokhorst

Artistic Staff
Director.............................. Nathan Miller
Technical Director............... RM Pellant
Costume Designer.............. Betty Deming
Student Director................ Hans Kraft
Scenic/Lighting Design....... Nathan Miller
Box Office Manager............ Betty Deming