By Mira Kocherhans
Utah Valley University’s School of the Arts presents Twelfth Night as its debut performance using The Noorda Center’s courtyard space in Orem, Utah. I am a bonafide William Shakespeare fanatic and seeing one of his most frequently performed pieces felt like coming home. Twelfth Night takes you on a trip to Illyria, where you find a land of uproarious mistaken identities and outlandish trickery.
After a shipwreck, Viola finds herself in Illyria. Disguising herself as a man, she starts work for Orsino who is sick in love with the Countess Olivia. As can be expected when gender-swapping is involved, confusion reigns. While, Olivia falls for Viola and Viola falls for Orsino, Toby, Feste, and Sir Andrew start up their own mischief.
Director Chase Grant pays homage to Shakespeare with his traditional take on a play that is done frequently and, more often than not, with some modern concept or twist. At this point, Grant’s classical approach is novel. But the traditional is fused with liveliness and modernity that makes for a continuously exciting viewer experience. Another take I appreciate is Grant’s recognition and portrayal of Twelfth Night as a true comedy. Often, it is presented as nearly a drama with comedic moments in between. But Grant leans fully into the reality of the play’s genre. Physical comedy, outlandish behavior, and exaggerated emotions layer every scene.
The show could not have been cast with better fits for chemistry. Regardless of how many times you’ve seen Twelfth Night, the actors in this production bring innovative choices that make it feel as if you’re watching the show for the first time. These classic characters are favorites to so many and there needn’t be any worry that these actors won’t fulfill expectations. Colt Brown portrays Orsino with an untouchable nobility high of the highest degree. Absolutely charming, with a Hugh Jackman debonair, his comedy lives in his taking himself and every issue he’s met with the utmost seriousness. Kat Hawley has excellent command of the language and plays Viola with poise, making her fight with Sir Andrew that much more hilarious. Josh Needles’ take on Sir Andrew should be the recommended one. Nearly every word he utters or sound he makes, in the script or not, strikes instant laughter from the audience. He has an innocence that he plays with sidesplitting honesty. Olivia (Whitney Black) is a solid center that everything pivots around. Her grounded acting is comfortable to watch and provides a pleasant contrast to the insanity of her servants. Sebastian (Jordan Briggs) and Antonio (Zachary Ballard) can commonly be seen as flat characters, present simply as devices for the plot to carry forward. But both actors truly gave life to these characters. Briggs brings us a character to identify with, one who has been thrown into a world where confusing circumstances are around every corner. Maren Lethbridge as Feste the Clown is vibrant and has an infectious spirit. She brings a laid back yet sassy attitude, which brilliantly rivals Malvolio’s uptight nature. Tristin Smith shies away from playing Malvolio with the clichéd outrageousness as is repeatedly seen in other productions. The truthfulness he conveys is refreshing and makes him sympathetic and more human than I’ve seen with his character. Sam Kleyh and the role of Toby Belch are a match made in heaven. Kleyh expertly embodies the role of the wisecracking drunkard and captures the audience’s attention the moment he enters the scene. Anthony Kunz spends most of the play as a servant but is shockingly hilarious as a jubilant priest who is only onstage for a minute at most. But he is a small treat that isn’t expected but greatly appreciated. The choice to have servants constantly onstage, cleaning or milling about, is great in making the stage feel alive and vibrant.
Much praise should be given to Danae Devey for her exquisite costume design. Not only are they stunning in appearance and construction, but serve the actors and the audience in immediately delineating the type of character present, from upper class or lower, to if they are refined or flamboyant. The scenic design by Stephen Purdy and Kreg Kiggins serves much in the audience maintaining an understanding of the plot. The stage is traditional, wooden, and bare, with small bits of scenery, a chair or table at most. The plot is extremely complicated and to have a simple playing field like the stage makes for clear comprehension and ability to follow along. At moments, I felt the pacing of the line delivery could’ve picked up a little, but was completely fluid and lively in most scenes.
I spent almost the entirety of the performance laughing and joyously surprised by comedic stunts and audience interaction. UVU School of the Arts’ Twelfth Night is the most understandable and easy to follow version I have seen, and I’ve seen Twelfth Night innumerable times. Make your way to Orem for a night of hilarity that keeps you on your toes! The show contains mild innuendo and alcohol use.
UVU School of the Arts Presents Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare.
The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts, 800 W University Parkway, Orem, UT 84058
September 5-7, 12-14, 2019, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $5 General Public, $3 Students, $4 Group Rate (Sets of 10) General Admission
UVU School of the Arts Facebook Page
Twelfth Night Facebook Event
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