Mistaken identity and a million laughs

In Shakespeare’s dizzying romp “The Comedy of Errors,” two sets of separated-at-birth twins are embroiled in escalating confusion of identity.

For a dash of sobriety, the father of the tale is under threat of death; the mother, believed dead, is destined to make a tender reappearance.

But nevermind the serious bits. In a new Parson’s Nose production for family audiences, the long-lost mother is a rather large man in a gown and wimple.

This show, seen at the Geffen Playhouse’s temporary quarters at the Brentwood Theatre, features nearly nonstop physical humor and slimmed down but well-spoken Shakespearean dialogue. The production moves next to the Pasadena Playhouse.

The two sets of twins are brothers and their servants, split when they were infants. As it happens, each set shares the same name, and when servant Dromio and master Antipholus arrive in the city of Ephesus, they are mistaken for the Dromio and Antipholus there.

What follows is riotous confusion involving a gold chain, a ring, sums of money and Antipholus of Ephesus’ irritated wife (Amy Povich), fetching sister-in-law (Jameelah McMillan) and eccentric others.

Director Michael Faulkner moves things along at a fast clip, but maintains focus with his notably able and likable cast. As Antipholus 1 and 2, Jens Kohler and especially Michael Manuel enjoyably progress from puzzlement to panic. Amanda Pajer and Margi Simmons are a nice blend of mischief and chagrin as the twin Dromios.

John Harnagel does multiple duty as the stern Duke, a merchant, a goldsmith and the twins’ long-lost mother; his just-conventional portrayals turn into a comic frenzy of onstage hat-and-character-changing.

Parson’s Nose artistic director Lance Davis, a gifted comic actor in the classical vein, plays the twins’ imperiled father and camps it up as the kitchen wench, demon-exorcising Dr. Pinch and a barmaid.

The action takes place against Akeime Mitterlehner’s simple set of sand-colored curtains with door and window cut-outs. Costumes were designed by Tina Haatainen Jones; Brian Shield provided capable lights and sound.

This is the latest in a series of “broad brush” adaptations that Parson’s Nose has created to introduce children to classics. Yes, subtleties -- and many subplots -- are lost, but not a sense of story, character and language.

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‘Comedy of Errors’

Where: Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena

When: 11 a.m. March 19, April 2

Ends: April 2

Price: $10, adults, $5 ages 12 and younger

Contact: (626) 356-PLAY, www.pasadenaplayhouse.org