SEASON SPONSORS:

Cast

Antipholus of Syracuse – Dylan Walton
Antipholus of Ephesus – Landon Greer
Dromio of Syracuse – Lucy Southwell
Dromio of Ephesus – Lindy McCloy
Adriana – Selena Schmucker
Luciana – Kaitlyn Blair
Solinus – Trevor Durham
Egeon – Chris Liles
Abbess – Kelly Neal
Angelo – Christopher Wilford
Balthasar/Courtesan – Jessica Candid
Second Merchant – Jackson Howell
Doctor Pinch/Officer – Benjamin Williams
Luce/Merchant/Messenger – Haleigh Roberts

Director’s Note

We are so excited to finally bring this show to the park! The Comedy of Errors had been planned for an earlier season, but like so many things, it was postponed due to COVID. Now, after circling back around, we’re thrilled to finally share it with you.

This production has been a whirlwind. I know director’s notes are supposed to be about the play itself, but truthfully, the process we endured as a cast is far more interesting than any summary I could give.

When Market approached me to direct, one of my main tasks was to make Shakespeare more accessible to a modern audience. Directors everywhere have tried different approaches to this challenge—some successful, some not. With our 1990s-early 2000s setting, it felt natural to incorporate the music, references, and energy of that era. I also attempted to modernize the language within the script… which didn’t go quite as planned.

In trying to cut and adapt the original text, the version we ended up with just didn’t sit right — with me or the cast. It wasn’t great. So, I swallowed my pride, and together, we rewrote nearly the entire play. What emerged was something we never intended but are incredibly proud of: a devised, collaborative piece of theatre that truly became our own.

We expanded underwritten characters, reinforced weak plot points, and reshaped the story into what we believe is a fun, Frankenstein’s Monster of a Shakespeare play that still holds water. While Shakespeare purists may raise an eyebrow, I take comfort in knowing that this process—full of rewrites, edits, and collaborative discoveries—is exactly how Shakespeare and The King's Men created theatre in their own time.

I’ve directed Shakespeare many times, but never have I felt closer to the original spirit of his creative process than during this production. I’m immensely proud of this cast and crew, of their talent, flexibility, and creativity. It’s been a wild ride—and now, we finally get to share it.

Please enjoy Market Theatre’s The Comedy of Errors!

— Drew Kenyon, Director

SYNOPSIS

The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare’s earliest—and zaniest—comedies, packed with mistaken identities, absurd misunderstandings, and unexpected reunions.

PREVIOUSLY, ON COMEDY OF ERRORS…

Years ago, a merchant couple, Egeon and Emelia, had twin sons—both named Antipholus. To care for the boys, they acquired another set of twins—both named Dromio. (Yes, really.)

During a sea voyage, this unusual family was caught in a storm and tragically separated: one Antipholus and one Dromio ended up with Egeon in Syracuse, while the other pair landed with Emelia in Ephesus.

As the years passed, the separated family longed to reunite. Egeon, along with Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse, set out to find their lost loved ones—completely unaware that they had ended up in Ephesus, a city where Syracusans are forbidden due to political tensions.

OUR STORY BEGINS:

Upon arrival in hostile Ephesus, Egeon is arrested and pleads for mercy to Duke Solinus, sharing the tragic tale of his family's separation.

Meanwhile, Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse, still on the search, evade capture and unknowingly walk the same streets as their long-lost twins.

With both pairs of twins now in Ephesus—unaware of each other's presence—chaos explodes.

Antipholus of Ephesus’ wife, Adriana, mistakes the visiting Antipholus for her husband.

Later, a gold chain meant for one brother is given to the other. Yikes.

And of course, the poor Dromios are endlessly confused for one another and scolded for tasks they didn’t (or couldn’t) complete.

Welcome to The Comedy of Errors—a wild ride of slapstick, confusion, and ultimately, joyful reunion.

—— THERE WILL BE ONE 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION ——

Meet the Cast

Kaitlyn Blair (Luciana/Dance Captain) is a recent drama graduate of the SCGSAH and will be studying Musical Theatre at Pace University in NYC starting this Fall. Some of her favorite roles have been Anya in Anastasia with Southwood Academy of the Arts and Lady Macbeth in the Governor’s School production of Macbeth. She would like to thank her family for all of their immense support, and the cast and crew for making this show special. She hopes you enjoy Market Theatre’s remix of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors. 

Jessica Candid (Balthasar/Courtesan) is delighted to return to the Market stage in The Comedy of Errors, having last appeared in Market's production of James and the Giant Peach. Other favorite credits include Once Upon a Mattress (Clemson Little Theatre) and The Thanksgiving Play (Clemson Players). She holds a BA in Performing Arts from Clemson University. Outside of the theatre, Jessica works as a biomedical engineer and enjoys reading, traveling, and playing with her cat, Mittens.

Trevor Durham (Solinus) is a local actor, having appeared in productions at Clemson Little Theater, The Market Theatre and Foothills Playhouse. This is his 4th production at The Market and his first opportunity to appear in an outdoor show. I hope everyone is ready for a truly unique theatrical experience and I am excited to be apart of it. 

Landon Greer (Antipholus of Ephesus) is so happy to make his Market debut with Comedy of Errors. This is his fifth Shakespeare show, having previously done Love’s Labour’s Lost, Midsummer Night's Dream, and Romeo and Juliet at Mauldin Theatre Company. Landon has loved getting to do a totally unique character to anything he has played before and is super excited for you to see Comedy of Errors. Landon would like to thank the Greer Family for their endless support.

Chris Liles (Egeon/Lighting Designer) has previously appeared on the Market stage as Lord Clapham in Something Rotten!, Benny Perkins in Hands on a Hardbody, Bob Crewe in Jersey Boys, Richard Bailey in Kinky Boots, Ron Miller in A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screen Play about the Death of Walt Disney, and was one of the players for the 2023 School Tour of Pinocchio. When not at Market Theatre, Chris is probably reading in a coffee shop somewhere. He is grateful to his family for their patience and understanding during late-night rehearsals. 

Lindy McCloy (Dromio of Ephesus) was most recently seen at Market as Trixie/Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show. Lindy graduated from SCSA with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Her favorite roles played there were Mrs. Martin in Bald Soprano and Rizzo in Grease. Lindy was also in Greenville Theatre’s school tour of Peter Pan (Wendy). She is excited to see what the future brings and thankful for her experience in this show!!

Kelly Neal (Abbess) favorite upstate roles include: The Sugar Bean Sisters (MTP), Hands on a Hardbody (The Market Theatre), Jersey Boys (The Market Theatre),  Violet in 9 to 5 (The Market Theatre), Rent (The Market Theatre), Darlene Purvis in The Honky Tonk Angels (ECP), Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady (OCT, ACT), and Sara Carter in Keep on the Sunnyside (CLT). Kelly has worked at NHC HealthCare for 30 years and is a part-time fitness instructor. Big thanks and love to Jeff for all the support.  Kelly is thrilled to work with this incredible director, and the super-fun cast and crew; an amazing opportunity! 

Haleigh Roberts (Luce/Merchant/Messenger) is a senior at High Point Academy and is very excited for her first show with Market Theatre! She’s had a passion for the stage since she could walk. Other notable roles include Titania (A Midsummer Night's Dream), Sally (The Lightning Thief), Susan Heffley (Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical,  and Casca (Julius Caesar). She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless support. Enjoy the show!

Selena Schmucker (Adriana) is excited to make her Market Theatre debut with this production! Selena most recently appeared in the ensemble of Anastasia at SWU. Some of her favorite past roles include Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast Jr., and Queen Jadis in The Magician’s Nephew (both at Clemson Little Theatre). When not studying a script, Selena can probably be found reading a good book. She hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Lucy Southwell (Dromio of Syracuse/Props Designer) is thrilled to be involved in her first production with The Market Theatre, though she is no stranger to putting on a Shakespeare in the park! Lucy has been involved in many aspects of theatre since she caught “the acting bug” at Woodmont High School. She has been an actor, director, stage manager, sound operator, box office attendant, usher, and the backend of a wooden alligator in a production of Peter Pan. Past Mill Town Players productions: The Odd Couple (Gwendolyn Pigeon), Arsenic and Old Lace (Props), Always Patsy Cline (Dresser), and Annie Get Your Gun (Assistant Director). Past Mauldin Theater Company productions: Midsummer Night’s Dream (Co-Director), Love’s Labour’s Lost (Berowne), As You Like It (Jaques), and Twelfth Night (Valentine/Priest). She would like to thank Drew Kenyon for the continued encouragement to play in the park.

Dylan Walton (Antipholus of Syracuse) is excited to be performing in his third Market Theatre production! He is a junior Performing Arts Theatre Major at Clemson University. His most recent roles were the Asst. Dog Catcher in Annie for the 24 Hour Musical, Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid, and the Steward in Into the Woods. When not performing, Dylan enjoys playing games, spending time with friends, and rock climbing. He would like to thank Drew and the production team for this incredible opportunity. 

Christopher Wilford (Angelo) is thrilled to be performing alongside his amazing cast in Market's production of Comedy of Errors. This isn't his first time working with Market, he's done workshops and camps over the summer, such as Villains: The Untold Story, an acting and improv camp for teens. This is, however, his first time performing in Carolina Wren Park, and he is so excited! While he isn't new to theater having taken Kelly Crittendon’s Southwood Academy Theatre Class for high school students, Comedy of Errors will actually be Christopher’s first show ever! He feels extremely lucky to have this cast and crew shape and build his first experience doing community theatre. He'd like to thank all of them for making him feel comfortable and welcome, as well as the audience for coming to see this magical production!

Benjamin Williams (Doctor Pinch) is excited to perform in his first-ever park show. Some of his most recent roles include Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz (PCP) and Ensemble in Something Rotten! (Market Theatre). He would like to thank the amazing cast and crew. He would also like to give a special shoutout to his family, teachers, and peers who push him to be the best he can be, and hopes that you enjoy all of the hard work put into the show!

Meet the Production Team

Dalton Cole (Technical Director) offers his skills as a scenic designer, master carpenter, and technical director to all of The Market’s productions. Dalton most recently performed on stage as Nick Massi in Jersey Boys (Market), Gomez in The Addams Family (Market), and Smudge in Forever Plaid and Plaid Tidings (Mill Town Players). He made his directorial debut in 2017 with It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at The Market and recently directed The Market's Something Rotten!, Hands on a Hardbody, Bonnie & Clyde, The Great Gatsby, and Mamma Mia! in the park. He enjoys woodworking and tinkering with cars, and he loves his wife and all three of his daughters.

Drew Kenyon (Director) This is Drew's third time directing at Market Theatre, although he directs around the Upstate at different theaters as well! Notable directorial notes include The Tempest (Market Theatre), Peter Pan (Market Theatre 24 Hour Musical), Elf the Musical (Greenwood Community Theatre), Tuck Everlasting (Greenwood Community Theatre), The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood (Electric City Playhouse), as well as many others. When he is not performing or directing, Drew is the new full time high school theatre teacher at Southwood Academy of the Arts, as well as the Program Operations Manager at Market Theatre in Anderson, SC. He would like to thank his wife, Kelly, their little girl, Isla, and their dog, Pippin, for supporting him throughout this project!

Jonathan “Thor” Raines (Choreographer) Upstate theatre patrons may also remember him as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show (Market Theatre), Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical (Market Theatre), Jerry Jubilee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Greenville Theatre), and as a soloist in the yacht-rock revue Summer Breezin’ at Centre Stage. You can catch him next as the director and choreographer of Little Shop of Horrors at Market Theatre, and for any Tubi fans, keep an eye out for two horror movies coming out in the fall (spoiler alert: he won’t be in the sequels). Thor believes in the power and love that art can bring to a community, and thanks you for your support in that mission!

Elise Roundtree (Costume Designer) is a senior Theatrical Design major at Anderson University. This is Elise’s first time costume designing for Market Theatre. Most recently, she was the costume designer for The Addams Family (AU Rep) and The Sound of Music (Anderson University). She has also been on the stage management team for multiple shows at Anderson University. Next, Elise will be the costume designer for Peter and the Starcatcher in the spring. When she’s not working in the theatre, Elise can usually be found crocheting or reading.

Noah Taylor (Producer) holds a Master of Arts in Theatre from Regent University as well as a BA in both Graphic Design/Theatre from the SC School of the Arts at Anderson University. He formerly served three years as the Community Theatre Chair for the SC Theatre Association and two years on staff with the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC). He is the Executive Artistic Director at Market. Noah was selected as one of the Anderson’s 20 Under 40 rising community leaders. As a high school student, Noah fell in love with the stage after having the opportunity to play Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit. Following a ten-year break from acting, he recently returned to the stage as Chip in Spelling Bee and in his all-time dream role, Mark Cohen, in Market’s landmark production of RENT. He enjoys directing, producing, and marketing for the theatre industry. Some favorite directing credits include Into the Woods (in Carolina Wren Park), Next to Normal, Sweeney Todd, Godspell, Almost Maine, The Fantasticks, Matilda, Shrek the Musical, and four 24 Hour Musicals. He is married to Market co-founder Carlie, and they have a seven-year-old son, Elias.

David Veatch (Asst. Director/Asst. Stage Manager) is a playwright, director, dramaturg, and producer. David most recently directed the world premiere of the new musical Yes, Mommy and a reading of David’s new play Witch, Please. When not creating theatre, David is busy celebrating Halloween year-round, an active player of Disney Dreamlight Valley, and spending time with Alfredo, David's cat, the littlest guy in the universe. David holds an MFA in Playwriting from Hollins University. David is excited to tell this story with such great collaborators! 

Drew Whitley (Producer) has performed in, directed, and produced over 100 productions at theaters across the Upstate, including Market Theatre, Warehouse Theatre, Greenville Theatre, Mill Town Players, Centre Stage, Electric City Playhouse, and Clemson University. At the Market, he has directed Jersey Boys, The Rocky Horror Show, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Footloose (24 Hour Musical), The Little Mermaid (24HM), Newsies (24HM) and award-winning productions of Every Brilliant Thing, The 39 Steps, and Death of a Salesman, as well as co-directed the outdoor smashes Shrek and Rock of Ages with Artistic Director Noah Taylor. He holds two bachelor's degrees from Clemson University, one in Secondary Education and one in English Literature, as well as a minor in Theatre. As always, thanks and love to Rosie and my family, who make it all possible.