Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents TWELFTH NIGHT.
William Shakespeare tells a tale of shipwreck, romance and mistaken identities. A violent storm, maroons and separates twins on an island. Unable to find her brother, Viola disguises herself as a male page named “Cesario.” She works for Orsino. When Orsino sends “Cesario” with a message to Olivia, she falls for “him.” It’s not so much a love triangle as an unrequited love triangle. Orsino loves Olivia. Olivia loves “Cesario.” And Viola loves Orsino. Love gets even more complicated when Sebastian resurfaces and Olivia believes he is “Cesario.” TWELFTH NIGHT is one of the Bard’s best romcoms.
Director Tyrone Phillips masterfully transports Shakespeare’s classic to the Caribbean. His creative design team (Sydney Lynne-scenic, Xavier Pierce-lighting, Mike Tutaj-projections, Willow James-sound) command attention immediately. Their massive storm is transfixing. It looks, sounds and feels like the real thing. It’s powerful enough to sink a ship and suspend the audience’s belief. The designers then dramatically contrast the doom and gloom with a bright, sunny vibe. Costume Designer Christine Pascual joins the team in concocting a colorful, festive island life.
Phillips paces this to perfection. His scenes seamlessly flow into each other. He often utilizes a playful Israel Erron Ford (Feste) singing contemporary tunes to set the tone and transition the action. The delightful Ford is a source of levity as a fierce Jaeda LaVonne (Viola) topples the tranquility with her deceit. Whether it’s avoiding a vivacious Christiana Clark’s (Olivia) advances or tapping down her own flirtations to the charming Yao Dogbe (Orsino), LaVonne brings the cross-dressing comedy.
Phillips directs his superb ensemble to explore every nuisance of Shakespeare’s tale. Repeatedly stealing a scene, Paul Oakley Stovall (Malvolio) is hysterical in zinging every possible sexual innuendo while reading a message. Justen Ross (Sebastian) and Adam Poss (Antonio) add an unexpected layer to their friendship. Their sensual interpretation makes so much sense it’ll be hard not to see it that way in future productions. Even after Ross and Clark tie the knot, the knowing glances between Ross and Poss bring uncertain depth to the tale.
Phillips is a master storyteller! Although TWELFTH NIGHT isn’t a musical, he effectively uses music. The ensemble play instruments, sing songs and spontaneously dance. It all seems organic to life on the island of Illyria. The performance feels more experiential than theatrical. TWELFTH NIGHT becomes this destination for joy. It’s the place to be!
Running Time: Two hours includes an intermission
Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Tyrone Phillips
Performances are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30pm
Wednesdays at 1pm
Saturdays at 2:30pm
Sundays at 2pm
EXTENDED Thru Dec 3rd
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Liz Lauren
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