Twelfth Night

                                                         Charlie DelMarcelle

The Lantern Theater Company’s presentation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night  is a delight. Nobody does Shakespeare like the Lantern and this year’s presentation is no exception.  The adaptation of Twelfth Night adds a few modern touches, such as a “grabber” for picking up trash and a microphone used by the jester ( Charlie DelMarcelle) when he sings with his guitar.  I’m not sure if the original Shakespearean work incorporated music, but the addition of the guitar and accompanying acoustic instruments is wonderous. Twelfth Night is a tale of mistaken identity but on the Lantern’s stage it is so much more. When Viola ( Joanna Liao ) disguises herself as a boy to become a page in court after losing her twin brother Sebastian in a shipwreck, she falls in love with the one who she is serving. He in turn is madly in love with the countess and wants her to plea his case. The countess ( Melissa Rakiro), of course, falls for Viola. (not knowing that he is really a she.) There are exceptional performances by Anthony Wilson (Sir Toby) for his enormous voice and J. Hernandez  (Sir Andrew) and Joanna Liao for their striking facial expressions. There are several instances of madcap mayhem, particularly when Viola’s long-lost brother (Tyler S. Elliott) returns. Seeing this production is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Shakespeare as the  show is light,  and immensely entertaining. It can be seen in St Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow Street. For more information or tickets visit www.lanterntheater.org or call (215) 829-0395. The show runs through June 18, 2023.