Evan F. Caccioppoli on Twelfth Night as presented by The Public Theater for Public Works
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Pictured: The Company of Twelfth Night. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.
“If music be the food of love, play on…” and they did! For their Public Works initiative this summer, The Public Theater presented a new musical adaption of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night that was an all-around joy!
This take on Shakespeare’s classic play begins with an exciting New Orleans brass band opening number (titled “Play On”). Conceived by Kwame Kwei-Armah (and directed with wonderful fluidity) and Shaina Taub (providing the production's multi-genre and wonderfully infectious score), this is Twelfth Night as you’ve never seen it before. I am lover of Shakespeare: whether it be in the audience watching or as a director or actor, but I have heard from many that they feel his plays are unapproachable. Well, Mr. Kwei-Armah and Ms. Taub have created a perfect way to make The Bard’s work open to everyone while never sacrificing the language or story-telling.
The Illyria of this production feels caught somewhere between New Orleans and the Land of Oz: a place I would be very happy to be swept away to by sea. David Zinn’s colorful and perfectly specific set fills the stage of The Delacorte Theater and places us between reality and fantasy, letting us know we are in a world where anything is possible. Still, the true beauty and star of Public Works are the people and organizations of New York City. For this perfectly timed 100 minute production, the stage of the Delacorte was filled with members the Public Works partners; including Brownsville Recreation Center, The Children’s Aid Society, Dreamyard Project, among others and cameo appearances (including a beautiful performance cameo from New York Deaf Theatre). This made the production special and filled with a unique joy.
In addition to the community organizations that made up the cast of Twelfth Night, several professional actors added to the magic of this production. Tony Award winner Nikki M. James brought a spunk, innocence, and open heart to her Viola; Jose Llana’s Orsino was a handsome and honey-voiced leading man; Jacob Ming-Trent was a comedic highlight as Sir Toby Belch, and Andrew Kober was scene-stealing in his deliciously evil performance as Malvolio. Composer and Co-Conceiver Shaina Taub also took of the role of Feste, proving there is nothing she can’t do as her powerful voice filled the stage of the Delacorte.
The design team brought together for this production created an enchanting world for the audience to experience. David Zinn’s wonderful world of a set and Amith Chandrashaker’s lighting worked hand in hand perfectly. Andrea Hood’s costumes and Dave Bova’s wigs and hair complemented that world, ingeniously making two unrelated actors appear as identical twins. Mark Menard’s sound design was the final piece creating this imaginative Illyria. Another highlight was Lorin Latarro’s creative narrative choreography.
After seeing this production I researched and discovered more of Ms. Taub’s work and have to say I am now a big fan. She is a new and refreshing voice in the American theatre and I can only look forward to what she will create for us next. I hope she continues her collaboration with both Mr. Kwei-Armah and The Public Theatre. They lift each other creatively.
If this is the Illyria they are creating, I wouldn’t feel bad to be shipwrecked on their shores.
Twelfth Night
Conceived by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub
Directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah
Music and Lyrics by Shaina Taub
Presented by The Public Theater for Public Works at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park.
With Nikki M. James, Andrew Kober, Jose Llana, Jacob Ming-Trent, Shaina Taub, Community Partners, and Cameo Groups.
Scenic Design: David Zinn
Lighting Design: Amith Chandrashaker
Sound Design: Mark Menard
Costume Design: Andrea Hood
Wig and Hair Design: Dave Bova
Choreography: Lorin Latarro
The Delacorte Theater
81 Central Park West
New York, New York 10023
http://www.publictheater.org/en/Public-Theater-Season/Public-Works-Twelfth-Night/