Playwright: Traditional, adapted
by Antonio Fava
At: Piccolo Theatre, 600 Main, Evanston
Phone: 847-424-0089; $25
Runs through: May 10
BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL
The 500-year-old Italian tradition of commedia dell'arte has given us Punchinello, Harlequin, Pantaloon, Punch and Judy and the very word 'zany.' Commedia-influenced Shakespeare and Moliere and has inspired comedy right down to modern TV sitcoms—which is funny because no one in all the world knows precisely what it was like, although we know what it looked like through period sketches and engravings.
Semi-improvised commedia didn't use written scripts but only story outlines ( there are hundreds ) in which stock characters—lovers, parents, braggarts, simpletons, fools, servants—were identified by signature costumes and partial masks. Actors in close-knit companies knew one another's abilities and responded to each other and to audiences with improvised dialogue and actions around familiar storylines. Singing, dancing, tumbling, juggling and the use of a literal slapstick might be part of a commedia show. Actors had signature stage business, too, called lazzi, with direct modern equivalents. Think a Danny Thomas spritz-take or Fonzie with his thumbs saying 'Aaaayyyyy!'
Modern interpretations of the old outlines and character types differ vastly. I've seen dozens of attempts at modern commedia, most of which overkill the slapstick or founder for lack of intense physical discipline. The stories themselves—often about young lovers assisted by clever servants to overcome obstacles to their happiness imposed by their elders—seem silly ( and yet are no sillier than most sitcoms ) .
The very best commedia I've seen was a guest company presented several years ago by Court Theatre. The physically skilled lead actors knew how to be quietly funny, working slowly and in low key to build their characters and comic business. Recall how Laurel and Hardy built their scenes together. They never were frantic until the moment they had to be.
This effort by Piccolo Theatre is the second-best commedia I've seen, which is saying a lot. It was developed and directed by Italian master Antonio Fava, returning to Chicago as a guest artist. His Piccolo troupe has a strong sense of action, comic technique and physical contrast. The pompous Doctor ( Amy Gorelow ) and clever servant Coviello ( Sam Wootten ) are a Mutt & Jeff combo. Tall Wootten's comic understatement has particular charm. The hen-like innkeeper Rosetta ( Deborah Proud ) and her profoundly simple Pulcinella ( John Szostek ) also provide fun. The four young lovers are pretty and enthusiastic but every bit as silly as everyone else. I missed the touch of poetic nobility commedia lovers sometimes have as contrast against their controlling elders. Even with commedia's fast pace the show seems a little long, and 95 minutes without an intermission might make a better evening.
The traditional costumes ( Michelle Rossi, Angela Elowsky ) , authentic leather masks ( Fava ) and simple platform stage ( Szostek, Kurt Sharp ) provide flavorful and historic commedia trappings.