Twelfth Night is arguably the most human of all of the comedies written by Shakespeare. It contains something that is so real to the human experience that it is impossible to walk away without recognizing some of ourselves in the characters. It seems to catch the elements of loss, love and pain that make humanity the feeling creatures that we are. The director, Jeremy Riggs, uses this information in his approach to the play, causing a somewhat darker feel. Under his direction he is attempting to find the real sense of the emotion as the play moves through its assigned scenes. According to Riggs, by putting the focus on the reality of the situation in which the characters find themselves, an honesty arises that makes one recognize and empathize with the characters in the play.
Although a somewhat darker approach is taken, there are still plenty of laughs in the show. From the preening, self-loving Malvolio and the loud, over-lubricated Sir Toby, to the fun loving and witty Feste and the boisterous, dim-witted Sir Andrew all weaving themselves in and out of the story, building a web of deceit and revenge that ends with hilarity and madness.
Riggs, in addition to directing, also lends his expertise as a stunt and fight director to the action of the play. Several daring duels, very much in the spirit of Robin Hood and The Princess Bride have been staged. The combatants, Fight Captained by Garrett Lawson, who also plays Sir Andrew Aguecheek, swing rapiers and fists as the plays fights progress the narrative.
Twelfth Night, or What You Will opens August 10th and runs weekends through August 26th. All Show at 8:00 PM except Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM. All performances will be at the Just Off Broadway Theatre, located at 3051 Central Street at 31st Street and Broadway in Kansas City, Mo. Directed by Jeremy Riggs. Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/261042. Call (816) 784-5020 for more information.
TWELFTH NIGHT
TWELFTH NIGHT
TWELFTH NIGHT
TWELFTH NIGHT
TWELFTH NIGHT
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