In an exciting new twist on classic Shakespearean characters, the Philadelphia Fringe Festival will host the world premiere of the play ‘Dogberry and Verges Are Scared’.
This fast-paced, heartfelt buddy comedy focuses on the least likely duo to take center stage: Dogberry and Verges, who hail from ‘Much Ado About Nothing’.
The play follows these two bumbling constables of the watch as they embark on an absurd adventure right before the governor’s daughter’s wedding in Messina.
Writers Michael Doherty and Will Mobley, who both portrayed these characters in a previous production, have transformed their backstage antics into this comedic exploration of friendship, forgiveness, and the importance of laughter.
The journey to bring this show to the Fringe began with informal readings over the last couple of years.
Doherty recounts, “The only theatre company to have put together a proper workshop of it was Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.
The collaboration has allowed them to refine the script and prepare it for its premiere performance from September 5-14 at the Christ Church Neighborhood House.
Mobley describes their initial experience, saying, “The backstage goofs really took on a life of their own and grew to ridiculous proportions.”
The writers found their comedic chemistry undeniable and decided to develop a project that offered a love letter to Shakespeare and the buddy comedy genre.
Doherty noted the significance of this production, stating, “Underneath all of the bits, gags, jokes, and wordplay, there is a lot of heart and a really touching story about friendship and forgiveness.”
The production promises to engage audiences at all levels of familiarity with Shakespeare’s works.
Things have developed further since the initial concept, with Mobley expressing excitement over the connections made with the Cincinnati creative team.
He praised the actors and designers, saying, “The whole team in Cincinnati has done incredible work on this show. I can’t wait for people to see it.”
One of the unique aspects of ‘Dogberry and Verges Are Scared’ is the numerous Easter eggs sprinkled throughout for classic Shakespeare fans.
Mobley hinted at some of the references, adding, “A few of [the quotes] are ‘blink and you’ll miss it’, but some of them are unmistakable.”
Both writers acknowledged the different comedic influences that helped shape their writing, from classics to modern comedy.
Doherty admitted that ‘Dumb and Dumber’ had a significant impact on their approach, linking it to a lineage of comedic storytelling.
They nod to influences as varied as Tom Stoppard’s ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead’ to modern improvisational styles like those showcased by comedians like Tim Robinson.
Teamwork has been essential in crafting this narrative; as Doherty explained, “This marks my first collaboration in a while with my old pal [director] Matthew Decker.”
Their collaboration has brought together talent from both Cincinnati and Philadelphia.
Doherty expressed particular pride in bringing local talent together, showcasing both the cast and crew’s contributions to the show’s development.
The production is filled with comedic styles and nods to the theatrical tradition, making it a melting pot of different influences.
At its core, ‘Dogberry and Verges Are Scared’ embodies the spirit of the Philly Fringe Festival.
Doherty emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “All of these people come together because they believe in something, whether it’s a play or an idea.”
Mobley echoed this sentiment, adding, “That special alchemy happens where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
As audiences prepare for this unique comedic experience, both writers express anticipation for how their work will resonate.
This delightful homage not only aims to entertain but also invites deeper connections through its themes of friendship in the face of uncertainty.
With its mix of classic references and modern humor, ‘Dogberry and Verges Are Scared’ offers something for everyone, promising a memorable theatre experience at the festival this September.
image source from：metrophiladelphia
