With such perspective, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Propeller pulls no punches in any aspect of its shows. The physical approach lays notable flesh over a literary skeleton, but that’s not all that raises eyebrows. Propeller Theatre Company is seldom spoken of without significant mention of its all-male ensemble. Modern audience members often find momentary difficulty in suspending their disbelief, but actor Robert Hands, who is cast as Adriana, the wife of Antipholus of Ephesus, insists that they are ultimately better for it. “[They have] met us halfway,” he says, “If [they] believe that the men are women…it heightens the theatricality.”

Such lasting parity was not the intent at the outset, Bruce-Lockhart maintains, but before long, it stuck. Quite frankly, to consider the effect of Propeller’s ensemble as a shtick rather than an asset would be a disheartening error in judgment. In the end, it isn’t about drag—it’s about the characters, and who they are, and what they want. “It’s about the human heart. And it doesn’t matter who’s playing it…but the all-male thing allows us to…be more creative in the storytelling,” he says.

Propeller occupies a precious niche of artists who are determined not to forget the importance of “play” in plays. To them, going to the theatre should be a highly personal experience, one that lingers in the mind and heart, one that enthralls. If you’re ready to let go, the  ompany and its Comedy are ready to fling you higher. The true gift to the audience is a clear path cut through the novelty value, one that requires no safety net.

Watch out, BAM—Propeller is here, and it’s going for thirty-two.

Propeller Theatre Comedy’s The Comedy of Errors is currently playing at BAM’s Harvey Theater through 27th March 2011.