Is it much ado about nothing or a legitimate cause for concern? The people behind this summer’s Shakespeare in the Park production in Moncton don’t want to take any chances.
The Codiac Regional RCMP posted a public notice on social media Monday saying the Hubcity Theatre group will be using imitation weapons during rehearsals and performances at Caseley Park in Riverview and Moncton’s Centennial Park up until July 25.
Hubcity is staging a production of “The Comedy of Errors” with a modern twist and plastic firearms are used in the final act.
Artistic director JB Vanier said they’ve used fake weapons before but have let police know in advance to make sure everyone is safe and informed.
“This is the first year that they’ve posted on social media, and I think it’s just one of those things to help people know what’s going on in the city so people don’t get surprised,” said Vanier.
Director Samuel Grove said Shakespeare’s comedy is originally set in the Greek city of Ephesus, but this version of the play is set in the late 1980s.
“Think Miami Vice, Magnum P.I. kind of vibes,” said Grove. “We’ve got Hawaiian shirts, nice bright colours, aerobics, that kind of stuff going on. It’s really funny. It’s a nice short play as well, relatively for what the Bard wrote.”
Grove said the small pistols, which have orange plastic wrapped around the front end of the barrels, fit the vibe of the show.
“We’re being safe while still being able to use the props that we want to and make sure no one gets hurt or scared,” said Grove.
Vanier said it’s all very comedic.
“It’s Naked Gun, not Jason Bourne,” said Vanier.
RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Luc Picard said the notice was issued in case someone in either park sees what appears to be a firearm or other weapon and calls police without knowing a performance is taking place.
“By informing the public in advance, we’re helping reducing avoidable calls for service, and ensuring police resources remain available for genuine emergencies,” said Picard in an email. “It’s a proactive public safety measure and part of our commitment to keeping the community informed.”
As for whether or not the notice and attention is good or bad publicity, Vanier said they would just have to wait and see.
“Not to disparage our neighbours, but we’re not the United States. And that’s not to say those things don’t happen and can’t happen here, I just think taking these precautions are steps to move toward that safety for everyone,” said Vanier.
Hubcity describes Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” as a story of two sets of twins separated shortly after birth who end up in the same city and keep getting mistaken for each another.
“A series of wild mishaps based on mistaken identities leads to a cascade of hilarious events including seduction, arrests, combat and madness,” reads a press release for the production.
Grove and 16 cast members, all locals, have been rehearsing since May and he can’t wait for people to see the 1980s inspired comedy.
“You can expect a lot of laughs. We have a lot of great physical comedy that happens as well. All of my actors are really expressive. We’ve got some really funny monologues,” said Grove.
Performances will take place at Caseley Park in Riverview on July 17, 18 and 19 and at Centennial Park in Moncton on July 23, 24 and 25.
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