Thursday, October 7, 2010

A take on New Paltz's production of 12th Night

I saw the dress rehearsal on Tuesday. While the cast's hard work is apparant, I think this show served as a calibration for them and I doubt it will be their best work of the stand. Sir Toby and Feste stood out to me, both being hearty, contagious, invigorating goofs.

The decision was made to have all men wear beards except for Sebastian, making him more similar to Cesario in that way. Unless I am unaware to a widely accepted reading, the production had an odd interpretation of the close of 2.4, having Orsino and Cesario nearly kissing. This contradicts my previously held opinion that Orsino does not know Cesario to be a woman until the plays resolution, unless ofcourse he was choosing to love Cesario as a boy. If he had known Cesario was a woman earlier in the play it would take much of the drama and excitement out of the final scene.

Watching Olivia's recognition of Sebastian and Cesario was wonderfully fun, and at time the cast really shined (Not that I'm of merit to truly grade them.)

I was lucky enough to be in Larry Carr's dramatic writing class and get the nodd to attend the dress rehearsal. Hope you all enjoy the show!

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