It seemed like so many plays to see when I first got here, but it’s flown by and I have only one more to see tomorrow night. This afternoon I saw a very funny production of Twelfth Night. [Trailer] This was really played for laughs, but was very cleverly done. The play was set in Hollywood of the 1930s. It made for some interesting set pieces. Again, it seems to go without saying here, but the acting was outstanding. One interesting dilemma that was resolved by the setting was that the twins were played by the same actress. Not an issue till they come together at the end. As it was Hollywood, they dropped a screen, and as the actress walked behind it, you saw video of two of them. The timing was impeccable as she would walk out from behind the screen, and the images would become just one. Several other interesting blocking/choreographic aspects of the play. Very fun, and it ended with a Busby Berkeley type song and dance number that brought the audience to their feet (deservedly). A very fun play to see.
An interesting aside, as I was standing around outside the play, the lead actress came out and was recognized by some folks (one who had a service dog that was in the audience; apparently she’s a big dog lover, and wanted to take a selfie with the dog). Then later, still standing around, I saw 3 more actors who I’ve seen run into each other and have a big reunion. It’s kind of funny to see these impressive actors come out in street clothes and be very much just like the tourist crowd.
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