In a snappy 90 minutes, this year’s Canadian Stage Shakespeare adaptation, Twelfth Night, leans in to the fizzy romcom-ness of the script, with an almost Three’s Company energy to the comedy. The cast are quick witted and quick in their movements, making the story trip by — which while good for those who know the story (or at least She’s The Man). might be a touch too fast for audience members unfamiliar with the story.
The cast are well suited to their roles, and really work the humour in the text through exquisite timing. In particular, Ghazal Azarbad’s Olivia is a silly, swooning lover, and Justin Otto’s Sir Andrew is an affable goof. Rick Roberts Malvolio is exquisitely self absorbed, and delightful to watch.
My only quibble is the top and tail of the adaptation….while delivered well by Steven Sutcliffe, the opening monologue felt stilted and almost apologetic for the play itself. It’s a quibble I typically have with Shakespeare productions, where the director or dramaturg opt to try to get the audience onside, almost afraid of just jumping in to the heightened language and bonkers world of the play. This is a personal frustration, though, and doesn’t take away from the overall joy of the production. Definitely one to make time for this summer!