Twelfth Night
One of the joys of theatergoing is watching a large cast perform with no weak links. When each actor comes back on, you're glad to see them and curious about what they'll do next. The Old Globe's Twelfth Night, directed with flair and heart by Paul Mullins, sports such a nicely honed ensemble it's difficult, even unfair, to single out individuals. That said, however, two stand out. James Newcomb's sad-eyed Feste frames the production's sprightly antics with an ancient, this-too-shall-pass wisdom. He isn't just a wise fool. This Feste could have written Ecclesiastes. Patrick Page makes Malvolio the exact opposite. Every moment is brand new. His black hair Hitler-slicked across his forehead, Page shows that a little innocence can be a dangerous thing. Mullins smartly reset the play in the Italian Riviera in the 1950s, a choice that lets costume designer Linda Cho work in Technicolor. Ralph Funicello keeps his set static by design. The focus stays, rightfully, on terrific ensemble acting and Shakespeare's menagerie of cross-gendered, cross-gartered maniacs rendered loopy by love. (Note: Twelfth Night runs in repertory at the Festival Stage.)
Critic's pick.
When
Ongoing until Saturday, September 26, 2009
Hours
| Sundays, 8pm |
| Tuesdays, 8pm |
| Wednesdays, 8pm |
| Thursdays, 8pm |
| Fridays, 8pm |
| Saturdays, 8pm |