Theatrical Review: Twelfth Night

TWELFTH NIGHT
Written by: William Shakespeare
Directed by: Michael J. Harron
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented Our Good Friends at The Pennsylvania Reparatory Company’s production of William Shakespeare‘s “Twelfth Night.” The company has gained a reputation for presenting Shakespeare in unique interpretations of the works while faithfully honoring the integrity of the text. This makes the Bard’s work more accessible to the modern day audience which includes those students who benefit from their “Plays in the Curriculum Series.” This production of “Twelfth Night” adds to the evidence the company’s reputation is well deserved.

The play begins with a tragedy. Two twin siblings (a brother and sister) become victims of an accident at sea. They both wash up separately on shore believing the other to be dead. They then set out learning to cope with their new environs the best they could without the other. Thence the tragedy begins to evolve into comedy through the people and situations they encounter throughout the course of the play.

Many theatrical companies have discovered Shakespeare and other classical works are timeless. They are not limited to the time they were written in. They can take place in any era and embrace any social situation as long as it remains a faithful interpretation of the text. The Pennsylvania Reparatory Company has proven this assertion by placing the play in the 1960 during the Hippie Renaissance. Although I must admit hearing the singing of “Age of Aquarius” during the early scenes caused me to wonder if this show was going to be a bit (forgive the pun) Hairy, this was soon replaced by another form of wonder inspiring an appreciation of the production and all it presented.

To say this play is well acted would be an understatement. The clarity brought to what may easily become a recitation of an arcane manner of speaking which turns many off from Shakespeare brought more hilarity the humor embodied in the play. In fact, a Shakespearean purist might have to strain their ears to hear the “Thous” and “Thees” associated with his work. They were present, but they did not hinder the flow of the production.

The only unfortunate aspect of the play is the fact it‘s run is complete. Therefore, I’m unable to encourage anyone to come out to enjoy the theatrical experience. However, I could encourage you to remain aware of future productions of The Pennsylvania Reparatory Company. If they stay true to form, it’ll sure to be a evening worthy of your attention.

The Production was Directed by Our Good Friend Michael J. Harron who also designed the production and Stage Managed by Nance Brown (who also served as Assistant Director and Sound). The cast included Michael Alan Read who portrayed Feste - The Jester and also served in the construction crew, Will Erwin who portrayed Duke Orsino - The Lifeguard, Travis Southward who portrayed Curio - The Guitar Player, Sara Ferguson who portrayed Viola - The Surfer Girl, Our Good Friend Marty Courtney who portrayed Valentine - A Sea Captain, Wayne Dotteer who portrayed Sir Toby Belch - A Drunk and also served in the construction crew, Lorin Gartner who portrayed Maria - The Maid and also served in the construction crew, Our Good Friend Jerry Durkin who portrayed Sir Andrew Aueecheek - ??, Kate Nevill who portrayed Olivia - The Countess, Ryan Moore who portrayed Malvolio - The Butler, David Schappert who portrayed Sebastian - Viola‘s Brother, Patrick Turner who portrayed Antonio - Smitten with Sebastian and also served in the construction crew, and Brydie Jacques who portrayed Fabian and also served as a member of The Property Personnel while a chorus of Beach Bums were portrayed by Evan Wichman, Molly Brunkard, Tameshaa Ventiere, Faith Revera, Sydney Southard, and Edi Martinovic. Other members of the production staff included Scott Marlin who served as Lighting Designer, Al Raunch who served as a member of The Property Personnel and in Set Construction, and Our Good Friend Jill Howell who Designed Poster Art for the production.

Please call The Pennsylvania Reparatory Company at 570-223-7034 for more information.

Numerous photographs relating to the production can be found in The Forwardian Arts Society Theatre 07 Gallery on The Forwardian Arts Society Blog at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.