Review by Shelby Coleman
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s (CSC) Twelfth Night gives the well-known story a new life. The production delights tri-state audience members and will soon do the same in Europe. Twelfth Night is an exciting new collaborative production between Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and the Prague Shakespeare Company. After the production closes in Cincinnati, the entire production and cast will travel to Prague to thrill European audiences.
The Story
This thrilling romantic comedy takes the term love triangle to new heights. The play centers on the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck. Viola disguises herself as a man, Cesario, to survive upon the shores of Illyria. She soon falls in love with her employer, Duke Orsino, who is, in turn, in love with Lady Olivia. Much like love triangles go, Lady Olivia finds herself falling in love with Cesario. Any theatre lover can find entertainment in this much-loved story of romantic entanglements and mistaken identities.
Actors Josh Morrison as Antonio and Cameron Nalley as Sebastian make their CSC debuts.
Performances
Courtney Lucien leads this incredible ensemble as Viola (Cesario). Lucien is no stranger to the CSC stage and brings another excellent performance to audiences young and old. Lucien captivates audience members with her uncanny ability to exude confidence in her craft on the stage while remaining true to an uncertain terrain Viola must cross in her new role as Cesario. She gives a look behind the curtain into the unrestrained crush of girl who must in turn protect her heart, or her identity. The mannerisms and unique control of tone and tempo in Lucien’s voice creates an irresistible performance.
Leraldo Anazaldua (Orsino), Elissa Levitt (Olivia), Josh Morrison (Antonio), and Cameron Nalley (Sebastian). make their CSC debuts.
Most of the hilarity of this production falls to the quartet of mischievous servants, kinsman and fools. Geoffrey Warren Barnes II who played Toby Belch is able to bring contemporary mannerisms to his character which made this production accessible for those who are completely unfamiliar with Shakespeare’s works. His vast understanding of the text allowed him to add a certain sass to the character that almost any audience member could relate to.
More Strong Performances
The rest of his crew is played by Candice Handy (Maria), Jeremy Dubin (Feste) and Cary Davenport (Sir Andrew Aguecheek). Each performer had standout moments of their own, but when brought together they create a storm of comedy and chaos that has audience members rolling in their seats. Davenport’s portrayal of Sir Andrew gives an understanding of that character that many may not see in other productions. Davenport truly understand the assignment and is able to bring reality to Sir Andrew’s pathetic situation.
Candice Handy has a stand out moment when she transforms into Maria, not only in character but in costume (Rainy Edwards, Costumes). Maria returns to the stage ready to help mischief run free when the motley crew decides to prank Malvolio. She leads the fools, Toby and Sir Andrew through both her nefarious plot and a show stopping musical number. The comedy of these characters is brought to the forefront through the belief each actor has in their character’s feelings and goals. They are not simply playing for laughs but bringing the desperation, mischief and disdain their characters feel to life.
Actors of the CSC listed in appearance from left to right: Geoffrey Warren Barnes II (Toby Belch), Candice Handy (Maria), Cary Davenport (Sir Andrew)
Leadership and Design
This production brings a modern reality onto the world of Shakespeare. With a worn-down warehouse, (designed by Charlie Calvert) the audience is brought into a new apocalyptic reality. The troupe of actors we see are actually hiding from the oppression/edicts that keeps them from performing. Through this conceptualization and the setting, audiences may better understand and relate to the Shakespearean text. Interlude’s are woven through the Shakespearean text, the brainchild of director Brian Isaac Phillips. This allows for seamless entry into the world of the story, out of the world to intermission, and back through the end of the production.
Courtney Lucien as Viola in CSC’s Production of “Twelfth Night.“
Overall
In Twelfth Night, CSC has created the perfect family friendly show that even a Shakespeare newbie would feel confident seeing. This production is a must-see! Grab your tickets now because this one is sure to sell out!
Tickets to Twelfth Night
Twelfth Night runs through December 7th 2024 at Otto M. Budig Theater 1195 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, online at Twelfth Night | Cincy Shakes, or by calling 513-381-2273.
