by Kristen Nevarez Schweizer
June 15, 2023
It’s the ideal season to visit The Old Globe in Balboa Park as the jasmine in Copley Plaza is in bloom, making for a perfect night of theatre under the stars.
Here are my top five reasons why this charming production of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night – running through July 9 – is a fantastic way to spend an evening:
5. It’s one of Shakespeare’s best romantic comedies
Twelfth Night follows the story of Viola, a young woman who disguises herself as a man (named Cesario) after being shipwrecked. Viola falls in love with a powerful Duke, but the Duke is infatuated with another — a countess named Olivia – but the confusion and hilarity only deepen when Countess Olivia begins to fancy Viola/Cesario, thinking she is a man.
This story remains one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies because it is deep and hilarious. It is (comparatively) easy to follow this plot, complete with drunken banter, over-the-top pranks, and song, thanks to the exquisite articulation of this masterful cast and clear direction.
4. It’s directed by Kathleen Marshall
Three-time Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall must like springtime in San Diego because this production marks her third time on the Globe’s Lowell Davies Festival stage. After the incredible success of Much Ado About Nothing (2018) and Love Labor’s Lost (2016), San Diegans are fortunate she is back at the helm.
As a director of Broadway musical theaters, Marshall knows how to maneuver large casts into lovely stage pictures, and additions of original music (by Miriam Strum and Michael Bodeen) are a pleasure.
While the set and costumes did not specifically call out when and where the magical land of Illyria is, the lighting work done by Stephen Strawbridge brought Marhshall’s show together with lovely warmth and enchantment.
On behalf of our city, I apologize for June gloom this year, Kathleen, but hope you will be back in San Diego soon.
3. The contagious enthusiasm and presence of MF(A)’rs
Each summer, the Globe’s Shakespeare cast includes a fleet of fresh faces from the University of San Diego. The Globe/USD Shiley Graduate Theatre Program is ranked among the top 10 drama schools in the world, with a competitive application process and a mere 2% acceptance rate. (Alumni include Jim Parsons of The Big Bang Theory.)
The program’s partnership with The Old Globe means that even the ensemble characters of this production are remarkably talented. Their dedication and craft show within the active stage tableaus when the non-speaking ensemble brings utter devotion and total presence even while they “merely” watch events unfold.
Special shout-out to second-year MFA candidate Sarah Joyce as Olivia’s handmaid Maria. She glows with beauty, yet commands respect alongside scenes with a boisterous trio of drunken men.
2. Jason O’Connell as Sir Andrew Aguecheek
While Twelfth Night boasts several hilarious characters, Jason O’Connell shines the brightest as Sir Andrew Aguecheek. His mastery of the language helps him find and land new, modern jokes within the well-worn text. O’Connell’s physical comedy is perfection, with a sloven affability that makes you root for the inebriated bastard (of a character.)
This show marks O’Connell’s Old Globe debut, and I pray we will see him again soon. Bravo!
1. Sebastian’s spectacular reveal
Spoiler alert, even though this play was published 421 years ago. You guys: the gasp I gasped at the introduction of Sebastian!!! The theater is magic, but this moment reminded me there can always be a new surprise in an old story.
Twelfth Night kicks off the Globe’s 2023 outdoor plays. It will be followed by Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, running July 30 through September 3. Fans of classic stories can also look forward to the world-premiere production of Crime and Punishment, a Comedy running July 15 – August 13, 2023. The Old Globe has a phenomenal, diverse season ahead!
Twelfth Night
The Old Globe’s Lowell Davies Festival Stage
Directed by Kathleen Marshall
June 4 – July 9, 2023
Total Run Time: Two hours and 40 minutes (two acts with one intermission)
For more information and to buy tickets visit www.theoldglobe.org; guests ages 18-29 are eligible for $29 tickets via the Under 30 Discount program; check out special discounts for youth via the Tix4Teeens program.
