By Liz Eichler
If you’re looking for a light summer comedy to begin—or end—an evening downtown, Dogberry and Verges Are Scared is just the ticket. Funny, expertly crafted, and delightfully silly, this guaranteed crowd-pleaser also sneaks in a surprisingly wise and warm message about friendship.
Shakespeare’s plays are full of memorable side characters, and much like Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, writers Michael Doherty and Will Mobley shift the spotlight to two comic figures from the bard’s Much Ado About Nothing.
The Plot
Dogberry and his deputy Verges are charged with guarding the home of a nobleman on the eve of a wedding. Unbeknownst to them, a conspiracy is unfolding to destroy the bride’s reputation. Through spectacular incompetence, they allow the plot to succeed—the wedding collapses, the villain escapes, and chaos reigns. But, as the saying goes, even a broken clock is right twice a day…
Dogberry and Verges were already among Shakespeare’s funniest creations, beloved by the Globe’s groundlings for their slapstick antics and glorious misuse of language. Their trademark “dogberryisms”—declaring they have “comprehended” two “auspicious” suspects, for example—become fertile ground for Doherty and Mobley, who pile on dozens of fresh malapropisms. Gems like “we too were prawns in his game” and “he left me high and bye” fit seamlessly into the style.
Directed by Matthew Decker, the show keeps the laughs coming. The comedy gets another boost from unexpected musical interludes. Snippets of familiar songs punctuate the action while the ensemble launches into synchronized dance breaks under colorful lighting (Mike Inwood). Jenn Rose’s choreography adds another layer of joyful absurdity without overstaying its welcome. Samantha Reno designed the serviceable backdrop. Rainy Edwards ensures her costume pieces can handle the quick changes and convincingly convey the various classes. Stage Manager Cole Cammack-Sweasy keeps the performance running tightly.
Fantastic Ensemble
Michael Doherty and Anthony Lawton are perfect together. Their chemistry, impeccable comic timing, and complete commitment to every ridiculous bit of physical comedy make the evening fly by. It’s particularly refreshing to see new faces making such an immediate impact on Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s stage.
Another welcome newcomer is Sami Ma as the Messenger. Rather than reacting with instant exasperation, she initially finds the duo amusing, smiling indulgently at their antics. That patience slowly evaporates as the stakes rise. Ma also plays Borachio and Second Watchman.
Familiar faces round out the strong supporting cast. Jeremy Dubin steals laughs as the diminutive watchman Oatcake—those tiny pumpkin breeches deserve a curtain call of their own—while also portraying the stern Leonato. Courtney Lucien effortlessly juggles Hero, Sexton, Claudio, and the First Watchman, while Elizabeth Chinn Molloy relishes multiple roles, including the scheming Don John, Don Pedro, Conrade, and Seacole. The entire ensemble works with infectious energy and obvious delight, making the audience eager to join the fun.
Overall, a Fresh Fun Comedy
Co-produced with Slippery Trout Productions before heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Dogberry and Verges Are Scared is exactly the kind of inventive, joyful theatre that deserves an international audience. If you like Shakespeare—or even if you don’t—this fast-paced comedy proves that sometimes the side characters steal the show.
Get Tickets
Dogberry and Verges are Scared runs July 10 through July 25 at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Otto M. Buddig Theater. Go to https://cincyshakes.com/on-stage for tickets.
- Run Time: About 85 minutes
- Parking: Reserve parking next door when you get your tickets
William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is this summer’s FREE Shakespeare in the Park offering, coming to a park near you July 14-September 6, 2026. Click HERE for more information and a full schedule. Perfect for all ages, bring chairs, blanket and snacks.
Liz Eichler (she/her) is a member of American Theatre Critics/Journalists Association, and has managed LCT’s Stage Insights for over 12 years. Her career has encompassed arts, costuming, education, and arts education. She’s worked at the Professional Theatre Training Program at the U of Delaware, NJ Shakespeare Company, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the U of South Carolina, and more. She’s taught Marketing and Theatre classes in higher ed. A proud mom of five amazing humans.
