A View from the Cliff — “Swimming in the Shallows” makes big splash

Shakespeare warned, “The course of true love never did run smooth,” in his beloved comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Well…the Brooklyn College Department of Theater’s current comedy, “Swimming in the Shallows,” has the same fanciful, farcical feeling.

Both works can be seen as pointed commentaries on their eras or just enjoyed as lighthearted mirrors of society. Since Brooklyn College’s version begins with dancing lessons for the “Swimming Slide,” let’s assume the more cheerful version is intended.

That being said, how about some frivolous comparisons between the immortal bard and Brooklyn College’s “Swimming…?”

Let’s see, Shakespeare’s Titania loves a donkey. “Swimming’s” Nick loves a shark. Shakespeare’s romances are constantly interrupted. “Swimming’s,” Donna and her fiancée Carla Carla (yes, yes, that’s her name) have numerous false starts for their wedding. “Swimming’s” monosyllabic playwright Bock showcases his mischievous Nick while Shakespeare’s one-syllable Puck generates plenty of mischief.

Comical comparisons aside, Director Keith Paul Medelis utilizes outstanding sets and excellent actors who interpret their roles with a good sense of their character’s frequently bizarre actions. Isabelle Pierre as Barb is very convincing as a seriously obsessed wife who won’t bend to her husband’s anger. Rodrikus Springfield as her husband Bob deliberately sidesteps our sympathy with his combination of frustration and sarcasm.

Donna (Marisela Gonzalez) is also obsessed.  She is determined to shed her cigarette habit or Carla Carla (Sofiya Cheyenne) will not marry her. When they do take their marital vows, Donna is still smoking. Looking at all the story’s rocky relationships, these two display the most genuine affection.

Although affection, specifically infatuation, influences the pairing of fickle, flighty Nick (Mohit Gautam) and the swaggering Shark (Davin Reed), their relationship has no depth to it. Hence, the word “Shallows” in the comedy’s title.

A 10-foot tank filled with water and food that falls from the ceiling earn set designer Rebecca Grazi an extra bow. Give Choreographer Melissa Diaz a nod as well. Other behind-the-scenes support is also impressive. They include: Costume Design by Isabelle Parzygnat, Lighting Design by Shannon Kavanagh, Sound Design by Cody Hom and Keith Paul Medelis, and Stage Management by Christina Roussos.

For information on this and future productions check http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/theater/ or call the box office at 718-951-4500.  As always, save me a seat on the aisle.