Back in Shakespeare’s time, Holidays and other festive occasions were not a single day – consider the Twelve Days of Christmas. Historically, the Twelfth Night revelries brought a riotous close to the Holiday season and this play is particularly apt. More Shakespearean than modern, this is played more broadly than I’ve ever seen it and is more like what was performed about 500 or so years ago. It is a visual and audible delight!
When you have top tier actors like Robert Cuccioli playing Malvolio, you know you are in for a treat. He plays the benighted M to a T, and the unraveling of his mind is mirrored in the unraveling of his kit as his costume becomes the picture of Dorian Gray.
Originally commissioned as a holiday gift as the Duke of Orsino was ending his embassy with Elizabeth I, traditional twelfth night entertainments included a lot of places switching – potential elevation of station, as Malvolio desires, or in the case of Viola, the brilliant Eliana Rowe – reversal of perceived gender as they become Cesario since Illyria is none too safe for the unaccompanied. Mx. Rowe plays Cesario with a scintillating wit that borders on flirting with the Duke (Jon Barker) who is clearly drawn to his new page, but cannot quite read what’s writ. Yet. Barker is no stranger to hi-jinks, and lo-jinks, and we enjoy it all.
Speaking of foils, Jeffrey Bender’s Sir Toby is a star turn. His luxuriant beard and antic physical comedy is pure delight. How does he bounce back so quickly from some of those pratfalls….?
Tarry not! Get your tickets now for one of the best Holiday gifts – for your friends who love to laugh and enjoy humor of all descriptions! Reserve now at www.ShakespeareNJ.org, this show’s last day is January 1, 2023 and dates are selling quickly!