Houston Shakespeare Festival continues its 35th season at Miller Outdoor Theatre with plays of opposite genres.
The comedy Twelfth Night and the historic tragedy Pericles will play on alternating nights through Sunday, Aug. 9.
Twelfth Night, directed by UH’s own Sidney Berger, is one of William Shakespeare’s classic mistaken identity comedies.
The story focuses on Viola, who winds up stranded on the coasts of Illyria after a storm wrecks her ship and separates her from her twin brother Sebastian.
Dressed as a man, Viola (Jennifer Cherry) seeks employment under Orsino, the Duke of Illyria. Orsino uses Viola to communicate his love to the Countess Olivia, who in turn falls for Viola in drag. When Viola’s brother reaches Illyria, chaos ensues as Olivia elopes with Sebastian, and Viola attempts to suppress her love for Orsino.
Cherry, a familiar talent in the Houston theater scene, carried the show as Viola, playing her as an unsophisticated tomboy.
She did so well in drag that she was far less believable in a dress. Cherry is a genius with physical comedy, particularly during the scenes where she tries to evade Olivia’s affections.
Ilich Guardiola captures the essence of Orsino, wallowing in his sorrows as violin music plays. Guardiola also manages to convey Orsino’s confusions about his attraction to Viola in drag.
The subplot among Olivia’s uncle, a potential suitor to Olivia, Olivia’s maid, and Olivia’s manservant provides comedic relief and some of the best performances of the evening.
Rutherford Cravens does a riotous portrayal of Sir Toby, the drunkard, by slurring his lines and even giving up on some of them halfway through.
With a flask constantly in his hand, Sir Toby is always instigating trouble with the help of his cunning accomplice Maria (Kate Revnell-Smith).
They forge a fake love letter supposedly written by Olivia to her pompous steward Malvolio (Paul Hope). Upon discovering the letter, Malvolio prances around with an uncharacteristic grin.
Hope’s performance as Malvolio is the No.1 reason to go see Twelfth Night. He is remarkably believable as both haughty and ridiculous, as well as cold and passionate. Hope was the easiest actor to understand, delivering each line with pitch-perfect volume.
Guy Roberts has a standout performance as the gullible Sir Andrew Agquecheek. Roberts took an easily forgettable role and turned it into one of the funniest acts of the night.
Twelfth Night was an overall success, for its first night. Though it started off weakly, improved greatly, then ended oddly, it is an enjoyable show with many exceptional performances.
Be sure to check out Pericles, Prince of Tyre, a tragedy about a man who discovers a secret of incestuous love.
Tickets are free, but must be reserved beforehand at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the day of the performance.
