Geneva's Shakespeare in the Park brings 'Twelfth Night' to Island Park

Confusion, cross dressing, chaos and comedy take center stage at Geneva Shakespeare in the Park on July 18 in The Bard's classic comedy "Twelfth Night."

After twins Viola and Sebastian are separated in a shipwreck, Viola dresses in her brother's clothes and becomes a page in the palace of the Duke of Orsino. Believing that Viola is a boy, the duke sends her with a message to Olivia, with whom he is smitten. Complications ensue, however, when Olivia falls in love not with the duke, but with his page.

Performed by the Midsummer Theatre Troupe, the play explores common situations that modern audiences can understand - mistaken identity, unrequited love and mischief, said troupe director Kristen Duerdoth of Geneva.

Despite the fact that the Duke believes Viola is a man, he finds himself attracted to her, said Dan McQuaid of Naperville who plays Orsino. "High jinks ensues," McQuaid said. "What makes him a comic character is that we can all relate to his stupidity. He moons over Olivia, a woman he has nothing in common with."

Unrequited love is the most relatable theme, Duerdoth noted, because everyone has had feelings for someone that were not reciprocated.

"It hurts so bad and we have done some pretty silly things to try and win over that love."

Pranks and mischief add a comic element to the play as well, she added.

"In this show, the mischief is all about showing someone who thinks they are better than you, that they really are just a person like everyone else."

"Twelfth Night" can be enjoyed by all - old, young, new fans and veteran lovers of Shakespeare, said Allison Lanthrum of St. Charles, who plays Feste the Clown.

"It's timeless - a comedy milkshake, with action, romance and mistaken identities all mixed together with some great, musical moments sprinkled on top."

This family-friendly performance runs 90 minutes and features gags and slapstick puns appropriate for all ages.

Lanthrum's character of Feste provides comic relief and will keep the laughs coming.

"Antics-wise, anything goes," she said. "There will definitely be disguises, ukuleles and gags, and every performance will be unique with fun, unscripted moments."

Steampunk Shakespeare

Costumes this year also will add a unique touch.

Duerdoth drew her inspiration from the new "Mad Max" movie for her "Victorian steampunk" style, which combines the romanticism of the Victorian era with the mechanical industrial revolution, and is designed for a post-apocalyptic era.

"Men in coats and vests with ascots and top hats, women in corsets and cropped jackets and skirts with ruffles," she said. "Instead of Renaissance, it is the Industrial Revolution, Victorian-style, and I think Shakespeare would have loved it. I know for sure he would have loved the Duke's hat!"

"I will be wearing an extremely embarrassing hat," McQuaid said.

Shakespeare for young ears

Teaching children about Shakespeare at a young age will lead to lifelong appreciation, McQuaid said, and this production has something for every age. "Kids will like the costumes, the ukuleles and the general idiocy."

Children will also love the plot of mistaken identity, the sword play and the way the characters make mischief and trick each other, Duerdoth said.

The advantage of this outdoor venue for families is that there is no pressure on parents to keep their kids still and quiet, McQuaid said. Kids are free to get up and run around the park.

To help kids understand the Bard's language, Geneva Public Library District will host a free on-site Shakespeare-themed interactive craft for children before the play. Shannon Whitt, an Aurora-based set decorator, prop designer and illustrator, will lead the activity. Whitt illustrated the children's picture book "The Bite Sized Bard: Shakespeare's Seasons," which combines excerpts from Shakespeare with art.

Shakespeare for the modern audience

Even those who snoozed through high school Shakespeare class will find this performance entertaining.

"Shakespeare's poetic language is translated for a modern audience through tone, body language, props, music and inflection," Lanthrum said, and the classic language is delivered with modern style.

The show is at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at Island Park, Geneva. Suggested donation is $5. For details, visit www.genevarts.org.

• Gail Gaboda is a member of the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission.

If you go

What: Shakespeare in the Park's "Twelfth Night," presented by Geneva Cultural Arts Commission

When: 6 p.m. Saturday, July 18; seating begins at 5 p.m.

Where: Island Park, Geneva, corner of State Street and Route 25.

Parking: Available in the public lot on the southeast corner of State and Route 25 or at the Government Center in Geneva.

Admission: Free; $5 donation suggested

Details: Bring chairs and blankets for seating. Includes performance by State Street Dance Studio; food available for purchase from Graham's Chocolates and Stockholm's; Shakespeare merchandise and jewelry sold at the Circa table. Geneva Public Library District will provide an on-site children's activity at 5 p.m.

Details: Call (630) 938-4530 or visit <a href="http://www.genevarts.org">www.genevarts.org</a> or Shakespeare in the Park on Facebook.