SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK
One of my favorite Shakespeare plays is Twelfth Night. I love the humorous, twisted plot that eventually concludes with a happy ending. When done well, this play will keep me laughing from beginning to end. This past weekend I attended a performance of Twelfth Night by Theatre Pro Rata as part of their Shakespeare In The Park series, and it was definitely done well!
The audience started assembling early.
Soon the players took the stage!
Orsino pines for Olivia.
"Take away the Fool!"
Olivia meets "Cesario" and is quite smitten.
A plan is hatched!
Theatre Pro Rata is a small professional theater company that is based out of Minneapolis, and this was my first opportunity to attend one of their performances. I have to say I was very impressed and will definitely be attending more. Their use of the open performance space was brilliant; not just with the main space but also in how they used the surrounding area. Framing the performance "stage" were subtle peripheral tableau scenes that added to, while not distracting from, the main action.
Viola falls in love with Orsino.
The bait is taken . . .
. . . and the prey is caught!
Now enters Sebastian.
All is revealed . . .
. . . and the happy ending . . .
. . . brings much rejoicing . . .
. . . and celebration!
The performance of Twelfth Night that Theatre Pro Rata provided was excellent, and was the perfect way to spend a summer evening.
A Minneapolis icon!
Sebastian Joe's salted carmel ice cream is my favorite!
After spend time with Sebastian and Viola, I topped off the already delightful summer evening with visit to Sebastian Joe's for some delicious homemade ice cream!
Hi! My name is MaryLynn Mennicke, and I played Viola in this production. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I was directed here by Theatre Pro Rata - they shared the link to your blog entry. I was wondering - would it be all right with you if I saved/kept/used a copy of one of your photos? Specifically the one of me and Orsino - he and I are a couple "off the stage," you see, and I think it's a really cute photo! :) Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteHi I'm glad you liked the photo. Twelfth Night is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays and I thought your production was awesome. I really enjoyed it. Feel free to use the photo, but please credit me - Joe White - when you do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely write up; I was the dramaturg for the show, which is also one of my all time favorites. So glad you enjoyed it, and look forward to seeing you at future shows!
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