Batavia prepares for upcoming Shakespeare on Clark production

Her ship sinks, and Viola fears everyone, including her twin brother has drowned. After she lands, with the aid of a sea captain, on the island of Illyria, disguises herself as a male, and the comedy begins.

This summer Shakespeare on Clark will present the classic Shakespearean comedy, "A Twelfth Night, or What You Will" on July 30 through Aug. 8.

Originally performed for an English Twelfth Night Celebration, the play embraces the joy, and merriment of that festive occasion.

The role of Viola will be played by Michelle Buck of Elburn. Her twin brother, Sebastian, who indeed survived the shipwreck, will be played by Will Burdin of Batavia. The Duke Orsino, lord of the Island of Illyria, will be played by Kevin Krasinski of Elburn, and Nikki Prusinski of Elburn will take on the role of the Duke's love interest Olivia. Orsino's servants Valentine and Curio will be played by Mike Cook of Oswego and Daniel Klaisner of Yorkville. Olivia's jesters Feste and Fabian will be played by Kasey Ostarello of Sugar Grove and Shayne Dwyer of St. Charles. Joining Shayne in the show are family members Ryan Dwyer of Batavia as Sea Captain and Priest, Keith Dwyer of St. Charles as ensemble, and Laura Dwyer of Batavia, who will be designing the costumes.

The comedic leads will be played by Jim Stott of Yorkville as Sir Toby, Lynn Meredith of Elburn as Maria, Brian Downing of West Chicago as Sir Andrew, and Bryan Renaud of Sugar Grove as Malvolio. Christina Fleetwood of Downers Grove takes on a role reversal character as well. The role of Antonio, who rescues twin Sebastian will be turned into Antonia for her, and will feature lots of swordplay. Joining the ensemble are Megan Cave of Batavia, Beth Kahan of St. Charles, and Kelly Cash of Aurora. Peter Geldes of St. Charles enhances the production with his sword and flame juggling skills.

"Clark Island is the perfect setting for Twelfth Night," stated director Julane Sullivan. "The water rushing downstream provides the backdrop of the sea, and the old stone pavilion creates the feeling of another era."

Shakespeare on Clark is produced in cooperation with Batavia Main Street and the Batavia Park District, and is sponsored in part by All Dressed Up Costumes.

The production will take place July 30 through Aug. 8, with performances at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 6 p.m. Sundays. Audience members are encouraged to bring their picnic dinners along with their blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the ambiance of the island and the intriguing setting being created on the Island.

Illyria, in this production, is a land inhabited by carnival gypsies. A pre-show knife juggling, tarot card reading and other 1800s European Gypsy Carnival entertainment will set the stage for this hysterical comedy. Clark Island is located in the middle of the Fox River, just south of Wilson Street in downtown Batavia. Parking is available on either side of the river, and with bridge access to the Island Park.

For details on the show, visit JestersCourtyard.com or DowntownBatavia.com.