When we spread our blankets out on the grass at Daddona Park in Allentown, I was expecting to see a recitation of a Shakespearen play. I didnt have high expectations, I didnt expect convincing performances, nor did I expect to be able to see or hear the outside action. Happily, I could not have been more wrong!
'Twelfth Night' is Allentown Shakespeare in the Parks sixth annual production. Performed iin Allentowns Daddona Park, it offers a unique outdoor theater experience. An hour before the show began, we were treated to the singing and guitar playing of the Ashley and Scott Acoustic Duo. They were friendly, talented, and the perfect backdrop as the sun began to set.
Shakespeares 'Twelfth Night' is one of his more popular comedies, and Im embarrassed to say this was the first time Id seen it. It follows the story of Viola, played by Kristen Harlow, who has washed ashore after a terrible shipwreck. She believes her twin brother to have died in the storm, and dresses herself to look like a male and begins working for Duke Orseno, portrayed by Ruffin Prentiss. Harlow takes on the task of playing both Viola, a female, and her alter-ego Cecario, a male, and she gave a most convincing performance. Without resorting to overdoing the male mannerisms that are so easily resorted to, she was easily able to make us believe that she was, in fact, Cecario, serving the Duke. Harlow was easy to cheer for as a protagonist, and I felt genuinely touched when she was reunited with her brother Sebastion (Michael Donovan,) who had been rescued from the sea by a shipmate, Antonio (A.B. Folkes.)
Mention has to be made of Drew Lewis, as Sir Toby Belch, Alex Mandell as Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Mia Fraboni as Maria, and Matt Bittner as Fabian. Both Lewis and Mandell gave magnificent performances, more than once exhibiting physically challenging and impressive delivery. Watching Mandell run, turn, and flip around the stage was a high point for my entire group. Fraboni did a valiant job of holding her own while playing opposite such scene stealers, and provided us with a wonderfully strong and smart female character to watch. I would be remiss if I did not mention Trent Fucci, who played the mentally exhausted character of Malvolio. Watching him acting ridiculous as he tried desperately to please his mistress, who he has been tricked into believing is in love with him, was an absolute joy to watch.
This production incorporated beautiful musical performances from Brandon A. Wright, who played the role of Feste. Wright was an absolute pleasure to watch and I was left wanting to see more of him. His voice was soothing and melodic, and his comedic delivery was almost unmatched.
The set for this production was simple, a few walls and benches, but nothing else was needed. The lighting was effective, and microphones made the production easy to hear from all areas of the park. The actors all spoke very clearly, but still managed to hold on to their own natural way of speaking without falling into the classic Shakespearean drawl that often makes people fall asleep in their seats. The direction was fun and effective, with the actors often falling, rolling, or jumping around the stage.
The play seemed to end as soon as it had begun, much to our dismay. The most telling moment of the night was towards the end, when a few raindrops began to fall. The actors never faltered, and their audience of about 150 stayed until the end, despite a little water. All said and done, it was a wonderful evening spent in a park enjoying music, theater, and good company. But dont forget the bug spray! Those mosquitoes love Shakespeare too!
'Twelfth Night' was directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel and produced by Sarah Steele. Matt Bittner arranged the original music, and Brian Belcinski served as fight choreographer. Please visit the companys page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/allentownshakespeareinthepark for photos, videos, and updates throughout the year!