Here they go again! This scenario has a strong plot device, and a well-balanced cast with strong characterizations. Cat Crow gets to play Isabella as a frustrated bride-to- be, Abby Weiner is her gossipy bawdy maid, Olivetta. Tanina Carrabotta is a demure Flaminia until the street fight, and Aaron Santos is getting more believable as Oratio, her suitor. Mike Bergman, maskmaker and troupe member since 1991 is a genial Pantalone, keeping an inn this time, Jay Cross, another veteran masker, gets to do a Danny Kaye routine as Gratiano. Alex Newman, the capocomico of this merry band, switches jerkins and his posture to play the twin captains. Carl West is a buck-toothed Arlecchino, servant to the good Spavento, while Mike Yoder lurks about as Brighella, attached to the evil twin.

The Greatest Commedia Dell'Arte Troupe in the Entire World, at least in this vicinity, is developing as an ensemble. Their show this winter in Cambridge had its moments but didn't quite hang together. The next show, also in the Leland, made better use of the ladies of the company. But in this one, all rise to the occasion. If you've only heard of this traditional source for comedy, including some of Shakespeare and Moliere, get on down to the B.C.A. There's life in the old form yet.
"The Twin Captains" adapted by Alex Newman , July 16-26i Sebastiani at Leland Center, BCA 539 Tremont St. Boston MA, (617 ) 426 - ARTS Web - i Sebastiani

Comments: This Quicktake has been excerpted in its entirety from the TheaterMirror site.