Lanes Coven Theater Co. of Gloucester, now in its fourth season, presents “The Servant of Two Masters,” a high-energy commedia dell’arte, with performances Friday through Sunday at Windhover Performing Arts Center, 257R Granite St. in Rockport.
Lanes Coven operates under the mission that nature is a classical actor’s best tool, so it is no surprise that its performances are under the tented stage at Windhover in a wooded setting.
The story is about “Truffaldino,” who is described as a trickster servant who decides to work for two masters, a move that will later create chaos.
Co-Artistic Director Justin Genna, who plays Truffaldino, has adapted the original script to the company’s uniquely irreverent style, according to a program statement.
Director Jesse Garlick leads the cast in a spirit of levity. Peter Fanone returns to Lanes Coven to play Florindo, a “master,” and Pantalone the “Patriarch Archetype.” Amanda Lea Mason plays Beatrice, the other “master.” Vincent Randazzo plays “Brighella,” the innkeeper; Eliza Fichter plays Clarice, Pantalone’s daughter who is in love with Silvio, played by Nate Stephenson. Ella Mooradian, of the Lanes Coven Educational Acting Intern program, plays Smeraldina, who is in love with Truffeldino.
This is a professional theater company, with some of the cast having performed in Broadway shows.
“The Servant of Two Masters” runs Thursdays through Sundays at 7 p.m.; on Sunday there is a 3 p.m. matinee, and the 7 p.m. performance is “$5 Buck Sunday,” supported by Essex County Community Foundation. For details, visit www.lanescoven.com.
Evenings at Hammond Castle
The popular Thursday evening tours at Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Ave. in Gloucester continue through September. This is an opportunity to learn about the history of the castle and its inhabitants. Visitors can tour the laboratory, Great Hall and the courtyard, among the many other rooms to see in the former Hammond residence. For tickets, details, visit hammondcastle.org.
‘Sand and Sea’ exhibition
The Salted Cod Wine Arthouse has announced that six artists, all members of the Rocky Neck Art Colony, are exhibiting their works based on their interpretations of the theme “Sand and Sea” in a show held at the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, at 24 Harbor Loop, Gloucester. The exhibition features diverse mediums, including archival prints, watercolors, felt sculptures, mixed media and oil paintings. The featured artists are Jillian Demeri, Leslie Heffron, Jane Keddy, L. Marie Lamarche, Brian Murphy and Crissie Murphy. The exhibition runs through Sept. 30.
Culture Splash and Harbor Loop
The Harbor Loop Summer Concert Series continues this week. Those attending can sit on the hill, bring a picnic, blankets or chairs and enjoy the show at this family-friendly concert overlooking Gloucester’s Inner Harbor from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The food vendor onsite will be by 5 Star Phresh Phood. The Aug. 22 concert features Old Hickory Boulevard and The Gary Backstrom Band. The final concert on Aug. 29 features an evening with Alexandra Grace and her studio students.
Thursday also features the weekly Culture Splash in Gloucester’s two cultural districts, connected by a free water shuttle. The program is packed with live music and varied events for all ages. The program includes cultural institutions, artists, performers among others. The Culture Splash takes place from 4-7 p.m.; and the Cape Ann Harbor Tours water shuttle will run for free from 4- 8 p.m. to transport visitors between the two cultural districts. New this year, The Cut is hosting Culture Splash After Hours with free live music in “The Corner” each Thursday starting at 8 p.m. There are only two weekends left. For details, visit discovergloucester.com.
Kickoff schooner festival benefit
As Maritime Gloucester prepare for the 40th annual Schooner Festival over Labor Day weekend, there will be a special benefit concert on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m., at The Cut, 57 Main St. in Gloucester. The headliner isf Booty Vortex, which plays a blend of disco and funk. Tickets start at $25. There is reserved seating and standing general admission. For details, visit thecutlive.com.
Around the corner
The region’s top comics are slated to perform at the 18th annual Gloucester Rotary Comedy Night on Thursday, Aug. 29, at Cruiseport Gloucester.
“This has become an end-of-summer event and is always a great time,” Mark Vadala, the chair of the event, said. “We’re able to get together with our neighbors to raise some money and share laughter as a community.”
Vadala took over from Ruth Pino, who previously chaired the event.
The event features four comedians: Dave Rattigan who returns to host the all-star ensemble that includes Brad Mastrangelo, Jody Sloane and Jeff Koen.
“It’s a great, nightclub-clean show that always draws a big crowd and raises a lot of money for great causes in the community. For many people, this show has become an unofficial kickoff for Labor Day weekend, and it’s always a lot of fun for both the comedians and the audience,” Rattigan said.
For Mastrangelo, the Salem News wrote: “Brad’s high energy makes the crowd feel like they are on a carnival ride that they wish would never end.”
Jody Sloane, a Coast Guard veteran, got her start with her “cheeky shtick” on Boston Duck tours, a path that led to regular stand-up gigs, both near and far.
Koen, a Beverly native, was on “America’s Funniest Home Videos” and won $10,000; he often works the clubs and theaters of New England with Juston McKinney.
Tickets are $30. Organizers expect the event to sell out. Tickets are available by calling or texting Vadala at 978-490-0939 or by email to mark@vadalarealestate.com.
Around Cape Ann is a column devoted to events happening on Cape Ann and artists from Cape Ann performing elsewhere. If you would like to submit an item, contact reporter Gail McCarthy at 978-675-2706 or gmccarthy@gloucestertimes.com at least two weeks in advance.