Theater review by Elizabeth Warnimont
Special to The Herald
Town Hall Theatre Company is currently closing out its 2010-11 season with a spectacular performance of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, “Twelfth Night,” artfully directed by Soren Oliver. And while the play is a treat in itself, it is made all the more so by the efforts of this gifted troupe.
Kate Jopson is Viola, a young woman washed ashore from a shipwreck, believing her brother to have perished at sea. Disguised as a boy, Viola comes into the service of the local duke (played handsomely by Dennis Markam) and falls in love. Meanwhile, her brother turns up on another shore, similarly believing his sister to be lost at sea. Sebastian (Daniel Petzold) befriends a fellow survivor, Antonio, smoothly played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who promises to help him make his way. The two siblings eventually reunite, but meanwhile the confusion caused by their very similar appearance makes for some hilarious predicaments before all is finally revealed.
Kendra Lee Oberhauser, seen charming a mysterious count in Center Rep’s astounding production of “Dracula” last fall, is a lovely Olivia, a lady in mourning grown weary of fending off the wooings of the persistent count. When Olivia is finally awakened from her malaise, it is not by the starry-eyed count but instead by his attendant, the disguised Viola, whose torturous task it is to woo the lady on behalf of her beloved master.
As is to be expected in any Shakespeare play, there are plenty of twists and turns surrounding the main plot. Subplots include a cruel ruse in Lady Olivia’s house and some absurdly comical mischief between Sir Toby Belch, wonderfully portrayed by Paul Plain, and a pair of equally mischievous accomplices. Those partners in crime are Town Hall’s artistic director Clive Worsley as the Fool Feste and a brilliantly funny Justin DuPuis as the hapless Sir Andrew.
Speaking of those three, Town Hall’s exceptional production includes a priceless musical medley, composed by Worsley and performed chiefly by the trio, that any attempt to describe in words will only diminish. The song — really, the entire production — simply must be experienced first-hand.
The actors are outfitted beautifully by costumer Anna Oliver, and they perform on a well-crafted and creative set designed by Mia Baxter and Seren Helday. A gracefully painted, semi-transparent screen is put to excellent use at center stage, a fitting metaphor for the “liquid truths,” to borrow the words of director Oliver, that wind through the story.
Eleven gifted actors and one inspired director equal a dozen good reasons to see “Twelfth Night” before the season ends. Throw in a highly capable production crew and you have all the ingredients for a thoroughly enjoyable performance.
Title trivia
“Twelfth Night” has traditionally denoted the 12th day of Christmas, the eve of the day when the three wise men came to see the baby Jesus. It marked the end of Christmas festivities, when households all went back to work.
As for Shakespeare’s title choice, perhaps it has to do with that time following a charade or mystery, when the dust settles and all that was askew is set right again.
If You Go
Lafayette’s Town Hall Theatre will perform Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” through June 25. Tickets are $15-$32. Visit townhalltheatre.com/ or call 925-283-1557 for tickets and information.
Elizabeth Warnimont holds a BA in Germanic language and literature from the University of California-Santa Barbara. She is currently a substitute teacher for the Benicia Unified School District.
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