William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” is being given a hilarious revival at the Public Theater’s Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Free Shakespeare at the Delacorte is something to look forward to every year, and is always phenomenal.
Under the brilliant, creative direction of Saheem Ali, this already funny play is even funnier, and now there’s amazing music and singing in the mix as well. The production stars an all-star cast and they are doing it to perfection. I love Ali’s take on Orsino, the Duke, portrayed by Khris Davis as a very muscular, homeboy type surrounded by his servants. Davis is an incredible actor who always brings his A game. Orsino shows muscles and is dressed like he’s ready for a fight, with his servants all in suits and acting as his entourage.
Lupita Nyong’o as Viola has such a marvelous stage presence, as does her real-life brother Junior Nyong’o, perfectly cast as Sebastian, Viola’s twin brother.
On stage, it’s a who’s who throughout the cast with wonderful, funny performances delivered by Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Andrew; a friend of Sir Toby Belch memorably portrayed by John Ellison Conley; the fair Olivia amusingly played by Sandra Oh, the love interest of Orsino. Malvolio, the dedicated servant of Olivia, is marvelously portrayed by Peter Dinklager. Maria, the servant of Olivia as well, is charmingly done by Daphne Rubin-Vega. Feste the fool is played splendidly by Moses Sumney.
Everything about this production will have you laughing, smiling, and enthralled. If you don’t know the story of “Twelfth Night,” you will thoroughly enjoy learning it, and if you do know the story, you will appreciate this version of it. It is so creative and inclusive, with a diverse cast. As always, the Public Theater makes sure that its productions are delivered at a level of beauty, charm, and power that astound and revitalize the spirit.
The technical team and creative team for this production is absolutely on-point and includes Maruti Evans, scenic design; Oana Botez, costume design; Bradley King, lighting design; Palmer Hefferan and Kai Harada, sound design; Michael Thurber, composer/orchestration/music director; Krystal Balleza, hair, wig, and make up design; and Darrell Grand Moultrie, choreographer.
You have until September14 to experience this free Shakespeare in the Park production. For tickets, visit publictheater.org. You will be so glad you did!