Quote of the Day: Some are born great. Some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. William Shakespeare, in his mistaken identity comedy Twelfth Night.

I sneaked into a dress rehearsal of Twelfth Night this week to see what this show is all about. I was not familiar with this particular (peculiar) Shakespeare play. While the plot is completely predictable, and the mistaken identity ridiculously impossible, the fun that plays out on Stage North during their rendition of Twelfth Night is entertaining and engaging. Don’t let “Shakespeare” scare you away. The actors do a great job of speaking the iambic pentameter rhythm of the Bard, and use expression and facial expressions to help you understand. Sprinkle in plenty of modern day words, phrases, cultural references, and 70’s tunes, and you’re sure to follow what’s happening, even if it seems a little weird.

Edmond Binda as Sebastian and Mark Liedl and Curio in Stage North's production of Twelfth Night. Production photo.

Edmond Binda as Sebastian and Mark Liedl and Curio in Stage North’s production of Twelfth Night. Production photo.

Director Gary Hirsch and his unique style of comedy are all over this production. The costumes, designed by Chase Vreeland, are the bright and dizzying colors and texture combinations that you know and love from the 1970’s. My favorite are the Dancing Queens who add sparkle to this performance. Wendy DeGeest once again choreographed fun numbers that enhance the performance and work for a varied group of community theater performers. (I’d go back just to see the dancing.)

They provide a synopsis of the play in the program, which you can read before the show, or save it for later to clear things up, but it’s really the action and interactions of the characters that tell the story. As always, it’s fun to go to community theater productions to see your friends and neighbors on stage. You can read more about the production in this article from the Brainerd Dispatch. 

Cast of Twelfth Night, curtain call. Production Photo, Stage North, Brainerd, MN

Cast of Twelfth Night, curtain call. Production Photo, Stage North, Brainerd, MN

Twelfth Night runs April 19-21, 2018, at the Franklin Arts Center in Brainerd, MN, home to Stage North Theatre Company. For tickets, visit their website, call 218-232-6810, or come early and buy them at the door. The show is ready. Now, all they need is the audience to make it complete, to add your laughter and reactions, your energy and your support.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Have you ever mistaken someone for another person you know? For instance, you’re in the grocery store and think that you see an acquaintance, so you go up to them and say, “Hi!” like you’re best friends, only to realize they’re a look-a-like?