Jackson McLaskey as Malvolio.
By Sue Suchyta
Wayne State University’s undergraduate Bonstelle Theatre Company’s current production of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” is an entertaining and musical treat.
“WE WILL DRAW THE CURTAIN AND SHOW YOU THE PICTURE”
“Twelfth Night” is a tale of mistaken identity, disguises, and unrequited love.
A shipwreck brings a young woman and a sea captain to shore in a foreign land. Viola disguises herself as a young man and goes to work for Orsino, a duke. Orsino is in love with a noble woman, Olivia, and has Viola, whom he knows as Cesario, woo Olivia for him. Olivia, of course, falls for Cesario.
Meanwhile, Viola’s twin brother Sebastian, whom she had feared drowned, is washed ashore with his trusty sidekick. People start mistaking Viola/Cesario and Sebastian for each other, with amusing and plot-complicating results.
In an interesting sub-plot, a group of partying servants, tired of being chastised by Olivia’s straight-laced steward Malvolio, pull a major prank on him, setting him up to believe that Olivia is in love with him. The ensuing subterfuge creates much of the comic relief.
“IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE, PLAY ON”
Penning music to match the Bard’s wonderful words were Michael Keefe and Henry Marsh. Both have created music for Shakespearean productions at the First Folio Theatre in Oakbrook, Illinois. Their music for the Bonstelle’s production of “Twelfth Night” is romantic and uplifting, adding melodic magic to the show.
“SOME ARE BORN GREAT, SOME ACHIEVE GREATNESS”
Whether or not the cast members were born under a theatrical star, it is undeniable that they have talent to spare.
Ivy Haralson of Belleville is superb as Viola/Cesario, as is George Abud of Grosse Pointe as Sebastian, her twin. This is a breakout role for Haralson, a third year student. It is also pleasing to discover that Abud, well-known for his musical talent, is a skilled and entertaining actor as well.
The quartet of troublemakers is amusingly portrayed by Michael Meike of Clinton Township as Sir Toby Belch, John Denyer of Dearborn as Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Kelli Marie Sarakun of Grosse Pointe as Maria and Andrick Siegmund of Pleasant Ridge as Feste, a fool.
Jackson McLaskey of Mt. Clemens, who recently displayed his comedic talent in “Noises Off,” is superb as Malvolio, the bullied butler.
Laura Heikkinen of Livonia as Olivia and Justin Wagner of Royal Oak as Orsino lend their talents to the role of royals.
“IS IT A WORLD TO HIDE VIRTUES IN?”
Others in the strong cast include Mackenzie Conn of Walled Lake as Fabiena, Jackie Fenton of Allen Park as a lady of the court, Matt Miazgowicz of Dearborn as the first officer, Yesmeen Mikhail of Wyandotte and Bryauna Perkins of Chesterfield as ladies of the court, Luke Rose of Harrison Township as Antonio, Alex Schott of White Lake as the second officer, Cory Thomas of St. Clair Shores as Curio, Aaron Westlake of St. Joseph as the sea captain and priest and Nicholas Yocum of Royal Oak as Valentine.
“LOVE SOUGHT IS GOOD, BUT GIVEN UNSOUGHT IS BETTER”
Guest director Alison Vesely has brought together a talented cast and delivered a Shakespearean gem that is as easy to understand as it is to like.
Mary Copenhagen’s period costumes add richness to the production, as does Rudy Schuepbach’s versatile and richly jewel-toned scenic design.
“JOVE AND MY STARS BE PRAISED! HERE IS YET A POSTSCRIPT”
The show runs through this weekend with an 8 p.m. Saturday performance and a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. The Bonstelle Theatre is located at 3424 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. For more information, go to www.bonstelle.com.
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