Shakespearean

plays are not the easiest plays to view.

The language

often seems foreign and the pacing can be quite intimidating to unfamiliar

audiences. That said, Offshoot Productions' presentation of "Twelfth

Night" is a very entertaining show, full of music, mirth and excellent

performances.

"Twelfth

Night" is a comedic tale about unrequited love and mistaken identities.

Olivia is in mourning over the death of her brother, but many men in Illyria

are in love with her including Count Orsino, her cousin's friend Sir Andrew,

and her steward, Malvolio. Olivia instead falls for Cesario, who is really

Viola in disguise, so she can get closer to Orsino.

The comedy

masterfully escalates as the characters get closer to knowing the truth

about the people they love.

Laura Cole

plays Viola, the central character of the play. Fluctuating between grief

over her brother, whom she believes is dead, love for Orsino and frustration

at Olivia's advances towards her as Cesario, Cole is wonderful. Whether

trying to avoid a battle with Sir Andrew (who wants no part of a fight

either) or almost kissing Orsino after listening to a delicate speech

on love, Viola is the ultimate guide through the madness in Illyria.

There were

a number of solid performances in the show, including Amanda Harvey as

Feste, a clown in Olivia's household, Tony Falcitelli as Sir Toby, Olivia's

cousin, and Jerome Fulford as Malvolio. Both Cole and Fulford have performed

at The Shakespeare Tavern and the rest of the cast has extensive experience

in theater.

"Twelfth

Night" also reaped the benefits of beautiful costumes and a fantastic

set and lighting design. The space at the Royce Regeon Band Hall at the

LaFayette Educational Center is intimate and makes audience members feel

like they are a part of the show.

Another fantastic

portion of the show was the music. Feste sang several folk songs during

the show, while a small group of musicians performed material beforehand.

Martha Clarke was the musical director and arranger, while Paige Steadman

composed the additional music in the show. All of these aspects were intertwined

exceptionally well by director Susan Steadman.

The show will be presented

at 8 p.m., Thursdays-Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 11.

Admission is $10 for adults and $7.50 for students and senior citizens.

Call 770-631-2362 for information.

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