Asheville – It would be easy to simply write a regular review of Montford Park Players’ Twelfth Night, highlighting the humor, characters, costumes, and set design. However, it is important to recognize the historical and present significance of Shakespeare’s 17th-century comedy and director Fable Wilde Day’s meticulous adaptation that embraces queer attraction and gender-bending characters.
Embracing Diversity in Pride Month
June marks Pride Month, a time to commemorate the Stonewall Riots and the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. Unfortunately, the persecution of the community continues, with a surge in anti-queer bills being proposed this year, specifically targeting drag performers and trans individuals. In the face of adversity, Montford Park Players’ production of Twelfth Night stands as both a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community and a protest against bigotry. The play showcases diverse representation, with a significant portion of the cast and production team identifying as queer or trans.
A Theatrical Spectacle: Immersive and Captivating
The production, done in a “maximalist” style, immerses the audience in a sensory experience. The set design by Dwight Chiles transforms the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre into a visually captivating setting. The costumes, skillfully crafted by Ida Bostian, add depth and enhance the comedy of the play. Throughout the show, songs, predominantly performed by Spike Thompson as the wise “fool” Feste, captivate the audience with both acting and vocal prowess. Director Fable Wilde Day’s script changes not only reflect the gender of the actors but also provide a cohesive narrative.
A Play for All: Laughter and Love
While the underlying themes and societal challenges addressed in the production are serious, Twelfth Night remains rooted in the raucous, rowdy, and ridiculous nature of Shakespearean comedy. Devyn Ray delivers a masterful performance, showcasing proficiency in Shakespearean Old English and finding humor in unexpected places. Orsino’s lovelorn, albeit joyful, character, played by Aaron Ybarra, was filled with depth, sweetness, and exuberance. The physical comedy of Dwight Chiles, Blaine Weiss, and Patrick Nguyen cannot be praised enough. Not only because of the nuances imbued into their performances but also because of their willingness to push every action as far as they can in the name of humor.
The rest of the cast: Audrey Savitt, Emily Dake, Eric Vik, Lucien Hinton, Adam Kelley, and Quinn Terry, infuse the play with merriment and humanity. Montford Park Players’ Twelfth Night is not solely directed at the LGBTQIA+ audience. It is a play for everyone, offering a night of revelry and a feel-good romp. It provides a free, outdoor experience filled with laughter, sprinkled with a healthy shot of love.
As Shakespeare wrote in the opening scene, “If music be the food of love, play on.”
Montford Park Players’ Twelfth Night runs with 7:30 p.m. performances every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until Saturday, July 22nd.