Chad Lundquist/Nevada Appeal Kris Wallek, as Katherine, Ted Wynn, as Boyet, Lisa Baker, as Maria, and Shannon Cord, as Rosaline, practice Love's Labors Lost at the Brewery Arts Center.
When the name Shakespeare comes up, most people think of the tragedies of the Bard: "Hamlet," "Macbeth," "King Lear."
But there is another side to the English dramatist who still rules as No. 1 in theater: comedy. And if you've never had the chance to enjoy Shakespeare's wit, try "Love's Labor (or "Labour" to be precise) Lost."
The Brewery Arts Center's own company is staging the production.
Director Christopher James said during rehearsals this week that he was looking for something "light, such as 'Midsummer Night's Dream,' and I felt that it would be right for Carson. It's all comedy and slapstick.
"This is the best cast I've worked with in years," he continued. "Jason Macy, an English teacher at Carson High, is a standout. This is probably Shakespeare's lightest farce which on paper sounds complex but on stage comes across cleanly.
"Everyone in the cast brings their own sense of humor to their characters. I also have an awesome tech crew and have no doubt this will be one of the best shows the Brewery has offered."
Well, what's "Love" all about?
Ferdinand, King of Navarre (you all know where Navarre is, of course), opens the play by vowing that his court will be devoted to ascetic study for three years - and, to keep the distractions to a minimum, no women will be allowed within a mile of the court.
Berowne, Longaville and Dumaine agree to devote themselves with the king. Berowne also points out that the king has forgotten an embassy that very day with the Princess of France.
Said princess isn't all that happy about being stood up and camps in front of the court.
The ladies retreat to their tents to plan revenge on Ferdinand and his court. In the meantime, Armado strikes a deal with Costard to deliver a letter to the one of the women. Before Costard can do so, however, Berowne finds him and asks him to take a letter to Rosaline. This sets up a series of errors as Costard manages to deliver Jacquenetta's letter to the Princess of France and Rosaline's letter to Jacquenetta.
Lost? Never mind, it's easier on stage.
The king is played by Joseph (Jody) Paslov, Warren Schader is Berowne, Christopher Chen is Longaville, and Dumaine is Travis Legatzke. The Princess is Shannon Cord, Rosaline by Lissa Baker.
Eric Klug is stage manager, Rod Hearn did the somewhat-fantasy sets, Cheré Brown did the spiffy costumes, and Gary Guberman is the dependable light designer.
Shows are 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday, June 16-17 and June 23-24 in the Donald W. Reynolds Theater. Tickets are $15 general, $12 BAC members, seniors, and students. Call 883.1976.
• Contact Sam Bauman at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.
If you go
WHAT: Shakespeare's "Love's Labor Lost"
WHERE: The Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday, June 16-17 and June 23-24