Guest Artist resident director Gus Kaikkonen’s bio outlines his extensive, professional credentials and the fact that he has been involved with half a dozen or more productions ofTwelfth Night.Clearly, he understands all the ins and outs of this script, and makes the most of them. The fight scene choreography was spectacular — and the “shrubbery choreography” was a treat, as the plotters spied on Malvolio from movable “hidden” positions. The storm/shipwreck was an impressive confluence of choreography, sound and lighting. And Malvolio’s theatrical hand… (you had to be there.)
All the actors are good — but I was particularly impressed with Claire Wilcher as Feste the Fool/Jester. She was comical and subtle — and wise and foolish, of course — also an impressive singer/guitar-ukulele(?) player. Kevin Craig was a delightfully drunk and crafty Sir Toby Belch and his cohort Nate Davis as Sir Andrew Aguecheek was a dorky hoot. Chaseton Caine made the most of the hilariously haughty Malvolio. Isa Rodriguez ably embodied the cross-dressing role of Viola.
This is not a short show, two hours and 55 minutes by my watch (that includes a 15 minute intermission) — but it rendered me increasingly more awake and engaged throughout its running time — even after a long day of babysitting. This is a remarkable show — a must for Shakespeare devotees, and even a good bet for those of us who are not.
Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 8:00pm
**Sunday, November 10, 2019 at 2:00pm
Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 7:30pm
Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 7:30pm
Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 7:30pm
Friday, November 15, 2019 at 8:00pm
Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 2:00pm
Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 8:00pm
Sunday, November 17, 2019 at 2:00pm
** Designer Pre-Show Discussion on Sunday, November 10, 2019 @ 1:15pm
Tickets are available from the Wharton Center Box Office, 1.800.WHARTON, http://whartoncenter.com
The Arena Theatre is in the lower level of MSU’s Auditorium Building, corner of Farm Lane and Auditorium Road. Box office is at the Farm Lane end of the building.