Guest Review of Twelfth Night

Guest Review of Twelfth Night

Any “awww”-worthy love story involves shipwreck, deception, and unrequited love, right? Yes, if it’s William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night!” Get your rom-com fix with this Elizabethan-turned-modern day twist at Perry Hall High School!

Written between 1601 and 1602, “Twelfth Night” spins the tale of twins Viola and Sebastian who become separated when their ship capsizes, stranding Viola on the coast of tropical Illyria. Disguising herself as a man, she becomes entangled in a love web riddled with lies, mockery, and frequent proclamations of undying love. Duke Orsino loves Lady Olivia; Olivia loves Viola-costumed as “Chris”; Viola loves Duke Orsino. Add Sebastian and Malvolio to the jumble and chaos ensues. Shakespeare’s classic work spawned many adaptations since its genesis in early seventeenth-century England, some examples being a 1661 stage adaptation, an opera composed in 1820, and the 2006 film “She’s The Man.”

Exchanging the original Shakespearean script for a contemporary update, the show incorporated a plethora of hip n’ happenin’ comedic moments which had the audience in fits of laughter. At times, distinguishing whether the actors’ lines could be attributed to scripted dialogue or improvisation proved to be a difficult task as the cast delivered their lines so smoothly.

Perry Hall High School’s production showcased several superb stand-outs who emphatically enlivened the huge personalities inherent to “Twelfth Night.” Rachel Gillotti (Viola) garnered booming laughs from the audience as a result of her calculated awkwardness and unshakeable peppiness. Conjuring a believable female character disguised as a male character is no simple feat; yet, Gillotti masterfully executed the task with immeasurable finesse. Toting “YOLO” paraphernalia to compliment his fluorescent yellow knee-highs, Jason Wong (Malvolio, nicknamed Mal) seamlessly transitioned his character from an egotistical hothead to a swanky smooth-talker. Bearing his character’s emotions in a hilariously flamboyant manner, Wong adroitly concocted a character whose quirks never failed to delight the audience. Dennis Bailey (Duke Orsino) epitomized the brooding teenage hipster archetype, his performance complete with laughably impassioned confessions of everlasting love and a monotonous v

oice to emphasize his angsty moodiness. Several melodramatic gazes into the distance and hip dance moves prompted guffaws from the audience. Flouncing around like a cheeky socialite, Lucja Ryzner’s ultra-sassy take on Maria injected the show with a zing of energy.

The makeup, artfully applied by Cate Zink, heightened the beachy essence of the show. Each character donned a fresh, glowing face with playful pops of color, emphasizing the youthful, lighthearted element of Perry Hall High School’s modern-day rendition.

Grab your yellow tube socks, snag some bright red hightops, and all the “YOLO” swag you’ve got, and hit the beach at Perry Hall High School’s production of “Twelfth Night!”

by Devon Burke of Annapolis