Three and a half stars
Indianapolis Civic Theatre; directed by Robert J. Sorbera

Playwright Ken Ludwig concocts more complications than Shakespeare may have dreamed of and in so doing twists and turns the Bard through a zany plot zinging with biting humor skewering actors, doctors, ministers, civic clubs, small towns, the elderly, etc., sparing no one’s foibles. Robert J. Sorbera directs an on-cue cast, including the irrepressible Ethel Booth as the rich lady who refuses to die; Bill Book and David Wood as lovable down and out British actors; Mikayla Anne Reed and Sally Mitchell as zest-filled love interests; and Dan Flahive, John D. Carver and Neil Eggeson as the kind of people we endure but wish would go away. All deliver laughs-a-minute along with costume, wig and shoe changes with rapid-fire ease. Equal applause for the designers and running crew. If you’re ready for a laugh, head over to Civic’s sumptuous set. Through May 18; 317-923-4597, www.civictheatre.org.