"Servant of Two Masters" was written by 18th-century Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni in a distinctive regional style, commedia dell'arte. The style had significant influence on Western theater and comedy. Goldoni's plays have survived, but their American productions are neither frequent nor particularly proficient in the commedia style. Few American actors have the training to be authentic commedia performers. Ernst and his colleagues in the Rep's "Servant" cast are the exception to that. Landi and Mandolini are recognised as international experts in commedia dell'arte.
Lee Ernst: his facile ability with this difficult and foreign style of highly physical acting is nothing short of brilliant. The large cast supports him with a marvellously gleeful and enthusiastic spirit of theatricality and fun.(More)
Damien Jaques Journal Sentinel theater critic February 28, 1999
 
 

A unique group of American and Italian artists join to produce in the US highly professional and successful performances based on the Commedia dell'arte Style.

Paolo E. Landi, Director
Jeff Hatcher, Adapter
Scott Bradley, Set designer
Santi Migneco, Costume designer
Peter Silbert, Pantalone
Lee Ernst, Truffaldino