The commedia troupe — Columbine, Rosetta, Punchin, and Arlequin — cracks open their big book of stories once again to share Mark Twain’s tale of The Prince and the Pauper.  This commedia take on the classic story of mixed-identity is ripe with physical comedy, clowning, antics, and sight gags!  This story is especially well-suited for hysterics and commedia charm with our players pretending to be other people...  who are pretending to be somebody else themselves!

Commedia dell’arte, Italian for “comedy of the professional artists,” was a popular form of improvisational theatre that began in Italy in the 15th century and continued in its appeal for centuries.  At that time, all performances were unscripted and held outdoors, with only simple props and no scenery.  The influence of commedia dell’arte is evident in much of our contemporary comedy, most notably in the great commedia artists of the 20th century, the Marx Brothers.

When presented today, the commedia players — such as Arlequin, Punchin, Rosetta, Pantalone and Columbine — are portrayed as poor travelers who have made all their props from objects they’ve found.  Their costumes, with the commedia diamond pattern always evident, are partly hand-made and partly inherited from wealthier people who either tired of that fashion or thought better of it.  The various talents of the actors’ acrobatics, dance, music, quick wit and insight into human nature, all make the plays as entertaining and relevant today as they were to the people of Renaissance Europe, when commedia dell’arte was at its height of popularity.

Pioneer Drama Service is proud to carry 11 commedia dell’arte adaptations by the renowned, award-winning children’s playwright, Lane Riosley.  Each bursts with physical humor and witty banter that breathe new life and energy into the classic fairy tales.  Everything needed for these productions — costumes, props and special effects — fits into a single wagon or chest on wheels, making these shows perfect for touring or professional productions.