TWELFTH NIGHT – Written by William Shakespeare; Directed by Kevin Rich. Produced by the Colorado Shakespeare Festival (presented at the Mary Rippon Theatre, University of Colorado Campus, Boulder) through August 2nd in repertory. Tickets available at 303-492-8008 or CUpresents@Colorado.edu.
How nice it is to return to Colorado Shakes the way we have always enjoyed it – under the stars at the Mary Rippon Theatre. A newly opened and improved outdoor theatre, I might say. Although the theatre looks pretty much the same, just cleaned up and a little shiny. Two great big, beautiful light columns placed at the back of the house shed a whole new light on the surroundings. The audience still sits on the stone benches, but there are now accommodations for handicapped seating in the front rows that weren’t there before. Somehow, the wing space on both sides of the seating seems larger.
But the biggest changes are inside the building that surrounds the theatre. Several classrooms and offices have been removed to make room for a beautiful lobby inside the building that houses concession and merchandise stands now in an indoor space. What a great idea! The old wooden shacks that used to be the outside stands are gone and replaced by lovely, paved courtyards on both sides of the new lobby. In other words, you needn’t be upset thinking that the Rip is going to look different. All the dramatic changes are indoors.
TWELFTH NIGHT proved a fitting initiation to the new backstage changes as it flows easily from scene to scene on the giant stage (Is it a little closer to the audience?). For this production, we have a grand and gracious circular facade of an Edwardian mansion. As nearly everyone in this script is a semi-royal, it is fitting that they have this elegant place in which to perform. The costumes too reflect the status of the players – even Malvolio’s “cross-gartered yellow stockings” look elegant.
If you attend often, you come to expect a certain level of quality on these stages of the Shakes. They rarely disappoint. This production as well meets and exceeds what you may expect from this professional company. Meg Rodgers’ Viola is convincing as both a bewildered but determined woman and a cute guy caught in a sticky situation. Her counterpoint, Nisi Sturgis as Olivia, moves with elegance and certainty of her place in the world, brushing off suitors but losing her cool over the disguised Cesario. Brandon Carter, as the ignored Duke Orsino, can’t figure out “what’s wrong with this woman?” Isn’t he everything a woman is looking for? But why does this young Cesario look so good to me? The gender-bending aspect of the script and misplaced romances always liven up the evening.
But the greater part of the humor comes from the gaggle of servants who group to bring down one of their own. Sir Toby Belch (Matthew Schneck), Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Sean Scrutchins in a funny wig), and Maria (Tara Falk) are all the hangers-on in Olivia’s court. Seemingly slighted by the arrogance of Malvolio (Brik Berkes), the trio pranks him with a counterfeit “missive” from Olivia, whom he secretly covets. While it is funny to see him brought down, he becomes so pitiful that you can’t help feeling sorry for him. I love Shakespeare’s “peek-a-boo” scenes where someone on stage is “overhearing” a conversation that the speakers actually want to be heard.
This is a delightful way to start the summer with three shows yet coming. Come join the players for two delightful outings under the stars – TWELFTH NIGHT and SHAKESPEARE’S IN LOVE – with two equally well-done performances at the inside Roe Green theatre – JULIUS CEASAR and the new FRIENDS, ROMANS, AND COUNTRYMEN.
A WOW factor of 8.75!!