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Humor is strength of ‘Twelfth Night in 2014’
By LORRAINE WARDLE
YOUNGSTOWN
The fun thing about Shakespeare is that you’ll never see the same production twice.
This certainly applies to “Twelfth Night in 2014,” a contemporary adaptation of the Shakespeare comedy written and directed by Matthew Mazuroski, which premiered Friday at Youngstown State University Theater.
“Twelfth Night 2014” is set on the island of Illyria, where wealthy Orsino pines for beautiful Olivia. A ship carrying nearly-identical twins Viola and Sebastian crashes and each thinks the other has died. Left alone, Viola decides to disguise herself as a young man, Cesario, and joins Orsino’s entourage. Then Olivia falls in love with Cesario and all manner of comedy ensues.
In Mazuroski’s version, the plot remains the same, but Shakespeare gets a modern treatment.
It is fairly common for directors to set their Shakespearean productions in other time periods. Mazuroski, who is a theater professor at YSU, did that, setting his production of in the modern-day Caribbean.
But while most directors stick to the original text, Mazuroski decided to take his adaptation a step further and change much of the language as well. The end result is a combination of Shakespearean dialogue interspersed with modern phrases and contemporary cultural references.
It was a valiant effort. Simplifying the text and adding modern language definitely made the play easier to understand. But the juxtaposition of Shakespearean language and modern phrases was often jarring. It just didn’t quite fit.
There were some other things in the play that felt a little off. Orsino’s rap that opened the show did not convince me that he was a “music mogul.” Likewise, the bumbling Andrew Aguecheek seemed nothing like a “famous movie star.” And if it really is 2014, why did Viola feel the need to hide her identity? She couldn’t get a job as a young woman? And why didn’t she just pick up a phone or send an email to let her family know she had survived a shipwreck?
But it is a comedy; we’re supposed to suspend our disbelief.
The strength in Mazuroski’s production is the humor. The play is a comedy and Mazuroski certainly played for laughs. He added quite a bit of bawdy humor which the audience obviously appreciated. At times, it was a little much, especially the overly long fight scene that really made no sense.
Mazuroski’s cast really pulled off the show. The cast members kept it light and upbeat with perfect timing and quick pacing.
As Viola, Ashley Whited tackled a complex part and played it with sincerity. Natalie Martzial’s Olivia was passionate and earnest. Connor Bezeredi was a capable Orsino.
While the lead actors carried much of the play, it was the supporting cast that really stood out.
Josh Fleming was hilarious as Olivia’s wayward uncle, Toby Belch. Kathryn Jerome impressed with her characterization of Feste the fool and with her beautiful singing. Jerome actually wrote her songs as well, with Joseph Alvey, the assistant to the director.
As Olivia’s maid, Maria, Kelly Sullivan stole every scene she was in. Her natural stage presence commanded attention every time she entered. Ronald Aulet’s Sebastian left a big impression, and Matthew Malloy’s Andrew Aguecheek was a comical dimwit.
In an interesting gender-bending twist of casting, Zara Markman played butler Malvolio. Markman was as convincing as possible, creating an uptight, unlikeable character.
Mazuroski certainly took a chance with this Shakespearean experiment. Judging by the audience’s reactions, it was a hit.
“Twelfth Night in 2014” continues at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in Spotlight Theater, inside Bliss Hall, on the YSU campus. For tickets, call 330-941-3105.