Epp Brings Down the Curtain -- Literally -- at Yale Rep

Steven Epp as Truffaldino in The Servant of Two Masters;
photo © Richard Termine, 2010.

Steven Epp brings down the curtain, literally, with a terrific comedic performance in Carlo Goldoni’s commedia dell’arte The Servant of Two Masters, adapted by Constance Congdon from a translation by Christina Sibul, and ably directed by Christopher Bayes at Yale Rep through April 13.

Identities are mistaken, engagements are broken, butterflies flutter, lovers are reunited and there’s even some opera thrown in for fun in the story of the hungry servant Truffaldino’s disastrous plot to serve two masters and secure two sets of meals. Epp is so funny at Truffaldino that his cast mates and the on-stage musicians can’t help but laugh at his antics throughout the show too.

He is supported by a strong cast: Sarah Agnew (Beatrice), Will Cobbs (Waiter), Liam Craig (Brighella/Porter), John Treacy Egan (Il Dottore), Steven Epp (Truffaldino), Allen Gilmore (Pantalone), Andy Grotelueschen (Silvio), Chris Henry (Waiter), Jesse J. Perez (Florindo), Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Clarice), and Liz Wisan (Smeraldina). The production features original musical by Chris Curtis and Aaron Halva, sets by Katherine Akiko Day, bright and comical costumes by Valérie Thérèse Bart, lighting by Chuan-Chi Chan and sound by Nathan Roberts.

It’s a different form of theater, somewhere between mime and slapstick and if you haven’t experienced it before, don’t miss it. Tickets range from $35-67 and are available online at www.yalerep.org, by phone at (203) 432-1234, and in person at the Yale Rep Box Office, 1120 Chapel St. at York, New Haven. The performances are at the University Theatre, 222 York St.