WALDOBORO — The Theater at Monmouth hits the road to present Shakespeare’s first play, “The Comedy of Errors” at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Waldo Theatre.

The production uses ancient Ephesus as the background for Shakespeare’s early story of chaos, love and reunion. “The Comedy of Errors” features a cast of eight professional actors and is presented in Maine as part of the National Endowment for the Arts’ Shakespeare for a New Generation program.

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Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” will be performed by a cast from the Theater at Monmouth on Thursday at the Waldo Theatre. Courtesy photo

The production includes Theater at Monmouth returning actors Frank Omar (Egeon, Dr. Pinch), Kathleen Nation (Emilia, a courtesan), Heather Scamman (Angelo, Luce), Meggie Doyle (Duke Solinus, Luciana) and Elizabeth Helitzer (Adriana). Joining them will be New York-based actors Matthew Harris (Antipholus of Ephesus), John Russell (Antipholus of Syracuse), and Chicago-based actor Ryan Simpson (Dromio of Ephesus and Dromio of Syracuse).

Monmouth’s producing director David Greenham directs the 100-minute performance. Greenham also created the lighting scheme for the show, and costumes are designed by Jonna Klaiber.

“The Comedy of Errors” was most likely written in the latter part of 1589, and is Shakespeare’s first, shortest and most farcical play. It is based on two Roman comedies by Plautus, both of which focus on the plot of identical twin brothers being mistaken for each other. The fast pace and color of the characters make this show appropriate for people of all ages.

This performance will conclude with a post-performance discussion.

Tickets are $8 for students and $15 for adults. E-mail Melissa Hearth at info@theWaldo.org for details or call 832-6060 for reservations.

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