Act 1 DeSales University Theatre has staged an enjoyably laugh-out-loud production of "Twelfth Night" Shakespeares "most perfect comedy" through March 3, on the Main Stage of the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley.
The cast has fully embraced the broad comedic elements of the show, which explores foolishness in love, with zest and energy.
Alicia Brogan is appealing as Viola, the shipwrecked noblewoman who disguises herself as the page Cesario to get work in Duke Orsinos household. Brogans Viola/Cesario is bemused and clever as both a woman and a man, and Brogan imbues the role with a strength of character. As the man with whom Viola falls in love, Shawn Laub's Duke Orsino is laconic, but ardent.
Abby Jeanne is memorable and musical as an aptly wise fool in her portrayal of the clown Feste. Her very physical take on the role is fun to watch and her delivery of Shakespeares songs set to original melodies are lyrical and insightful. Jeanne and sound designer Jonathan Cannon adapted the music for the production.
Abigail Vernons Olivia starts out aloof and disdainful as she refuses all suiters while she mourns for her brother. That makes it fun to watch as she starts to fall, despite herself, for Cesario, whom she believes is a man, and Vernon slowly reveals her characters passionate nature.
Ryan Plunkett is earnest and likable as Violas twin brother Sebastian, who Viola believes has been lost at sea, but who turns up alive. One of the joys of this production is the similar sizes and appearances of Vernon and Plunkett, making the confusions of the unlikely love triangle more plausible and satisfying.
Samir Browns drunken Sir Toby is hilarious in both portrayal and wardrobe, with his eye-catching rainbow print jacket. Kudos to costume designer Deborah Burrill for the colorful fashions.
Christian Tuffy plays a deluded Sir Andrew, who may be the true fool in the play as he tries to woo Olivia himself. He is humorously bumbling in his high-water pants.
Isabella Lucano is clever and sly as Olivias servant, Maria. She willfully joins Sir Toby and Sir Andrew to trick Olivias pompous steward Malvolio.
Malvolio Iyanu is outstanding as the uptight Malvolio, who is tricked into thinking his mistress is in love with him. The contrast between his stiff former persona and his giddy transformation when he prances on stage in yellow stockings with crossed garters (as well as an all-yellow ensemble) is one of the comedic highlights of the show.
Jessica Bedfords direction is playful and smart, and keeps the action moving briskly.
Scenic designer James Raymond envisioned the town of Illyria through the lens of the 1950s and the set of a dramatic staircase with its lush vegetation and floral accents has that wow factor.
There are two talk-backs with the cast after performances Feb. 25 and 26.
The performance at 7:30 p.m. March 2 will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing and audio descriptions for patrons who are blind or visually impaired. Tickets are half price for patrons using these special services on this date. Call the box office at 610-282-3654, ext. 1, for more information.
The production is recommended for ages 12 and up.
Tickets are $23 for adults and $21 for students and seniors Tuesday through Thursday; and $27 for adults and $25 for students and seniors Friday through Sunday.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22, 23, 24, 28 and 29, and March 1 and 2; 2 p.m. Feb. 25 and March 3; and 9:45 a.m.
For information, call 610-282-3192 or go to www.desales.edu.