Hickory – Lenoir-Rhyne University will open its 2018-19 Playmakers season with a production of “The Comedy of Errors,” a play by William Shakespeare. The play will be performed Wednesday, Nov. 14, through Saturday, Nov. 17, at 7:30pm, and Sunday, Nov. 18, at 2:30pm. All performances will take place in Belk Centrum Theatre. 

One of Shakespeare’s first and most beloved works, “The Comedy of Errors” is a madcap adventure of mistaken identity and the chaos that ensues. This comic masterpiece tells the story of a young man of Syracuse who travels the world seeking his twin, accompanied by his faithful servant – who is also seeking his own twin – and how anything can happen. Is the ancient Greek city of Ephesus a den of sorcerers? Why do random people he has never met keep greeting him, giving him gifts and good wishes?

Using the art of the classical Italian comedy and with lots of buffoonery, the Playmakers explore Shakespeare’s shortest and funniest farce with sidesplitting results. Due to mature content, it is rated PG. Jonathan Ray, LR adjunct instructor of theatre, is the director.

Admission is free, but tickets are required due to limited seating. Tickets are available at the door or can be picked up at the LR Box office in P.E. Monroe Auditorium. Box office hours are 9am to 6pm, Monday through Friday.

For more information, visit www.lr.edu/publicevents or call 828.328.7206 for ticket information.

The 2018-19 Playmakers season will continue with the following performances: Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2018, 7:30 pm, and Dec. 2, 2018, 2:30 pm, Belk Centrum: Playmakers Student Showcase: a festival of 10-minute plays.

Feb. 20-23, 2019, 7:30 pm, and Feb. 24, 2019, 2:30 pm, Belk Centrum: “26 Pebbles” by Eric Ulloa

April 3, 2019, 7:30 pm, and April 6, time to be determined, Belk CentrumThe Little Read: “The Turtle of Oman” by Naomi Shihab Nye. LR’s Playmakers stimulate interest in the dramatic arts and provide a theater experience for the community. They are also considered the official producing body for the LR theater program.