Feb. 28 to March 8: CLC Theatre presents Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’
“Twelfth Night, Or What You Will” by William Shakespeare will be presented by the College of Lake County Theatre department from Feb. 28 through March 8 in the Studio Theatre of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake.
In this madcap tale of mistaken identity, Viola and her twin brother are shipwrecked on Illyria—an enchanted place where nothing is what it seems. Viola disguises herself as a man and falls hopelessly in love with Orsino, who thinks he loves Olivia. Olivia thinks she loves Cesario, who is really Viola, dressed as a man. Add to the mistaken identities a brooding steward named Malvolio and the saucy Sir Toby Belch, and the stage is set for a funny and beautiful Shakespearean masterpiece.
Performance times are Friday and Saturday, Feb. 28 and March 1 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 2 at 2 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, March 6, 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, March 7 at 10 a.m. (for high school groups).
This is the first time that Craig Rich has directed the play. Rich, who worked at Salt Lake Shakespeare before coming to CLC, said he chose the play for several reasons. “First, it is a very funny―at times, farcical—comedy, but it is also quite beautiful and poignant. Underneath the comic elements, ‘Twelfth Night’ explores what is really important in life. Once the vanity, the artifice, the excess of our lives has all been stripped away, what are we left with? Hopefully, it is something simple, honest and true. It’s a play that still has a lot to say to our contemporary society, which often gets caught up in style over substance, artifice over truth,” Rich said.
In addition, Rich liked the fact that “Twelfth Night” has three strong roles for women and that live music and singing are used throughout the show. The cast members, mostly CLC students, are joined by a former student, a community member and a local high school student.
‘Twelfth Night’ Cast
Savannah Thomas (Winthrop Harbor) as Viola; Hannah Shepherd (Antioch) as Olivia; Rodrigo Arreola (Lake Bluff) as Orsino; Gregory Sendi (North Barrington) as Sir Toby Belch; Jeff Langley (Zion) as Feste; Colin Kovarik (Mundelein) as Malvolio; Diana Ursea (Antioch) as Maria; Justin Langley (Zion) as Sir Andrew; North Rory Homeward (Vernon Hills) as Fabian and Captain; Mason Diehl (Round Lake Heights) as Sebastian; Arthur Zdrinc (Hainesville) as Antonio; Nicholas Wittke (Lake Villa) as Curio; Kyle Perry (Round Lake Beach) as Valentine and Priest; Olivia Love-Hatlestad (Grayslake) as Servant and Musician.
Tickets: Regular $10; CLC staff/students/seniors: $8 (includes a JLC $1 facility fee.) A special buy one, get one free ticket special is available for Feb. 28 and March 6 at the Box Office only. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. Call (847) 543-2300 or visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets.
College theatre performances make excellent group outings, and groups of six or more people are eligible for discounted ticket prices. Call group sales at (847) 543-2431 or email JLCgroupsales@clcillinois.edu for more information.
To request sign language interpreting, please contact the Box Office two to three weeks in advance at (847) 543-2300.