Bard of Avon's new look: ‘jazzy, poppy, a little bit of funk'
Westport's Staples Players bring Shakespeare alive in song
WESTPORT — Members of Staples Players are bringing Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” to the modern era, and they got to meet the lyricist who helped them do it.
The show includes jazzfunk songs from composer and lyricist Shaina Taub, who came to Westport to spend two hours with the students, discussing the show and her career, and singing the show’s songs around the piano.
“We discovered Shaina Taub a couple of years ago and were enthralled by her inventive music — it’s catchy, it’s clever,” said codirector David Roth. “When we heard the ‘Twelfth Night’ cast recording, we knew we wanted to produce it at Staples. Although it’s Shakespeare’s story, written over 400 years ago, the themes are so relevant today. It’s a comedy about identity, self-discovery and — that classic theme — love.”
The production lasts about 90 minutes and will be performed at Staples High School at 7:30 p.m. on March 17, 18, 24 and 25 and at 3 p.m. on March 19 and 25.
“We have been wanting to do a Shakespeare show for a while now — it’s a wonderful learning opportunity for the students,” Roth said.
They knew they wanted to do a musical though because COVID had limited the number of musicals these past few years.
This show was a nice blend of the two.
“Anyone who thinks, ‘Oh Shakespeare is boring,’ need not be worried with this show,” said codirector Kerry Long. “The music is jazzy, poppy, a little bit of funk thrown in. The scenes are from Shakespeare’s script, told in his language. The songs are written in modern English. You’d think it wouldn’t work but the two styles meld together well.”
She encourages families to come and bring their children.
“It’s short, it’s colorful, it’s fast paced, and funny,” Long said. “It’s a great way to introduce your kids to Shakespeare without sitting through a three-hour play. This will give them a taste and also make Shakespeare not so daunting to understand.”
Children 12 and younger will also get a goodie bag at check-in, a coupon for a free ice cream cone at Saugatuck Sweets and a button.
Long said the students took to Shakespeare and the show also, belting out the tunes in the hall.
The students worked to understand the meaning behind Shakespeare’s centuries-old words so that they could bring it to audiences in an accessible way.
“We did a lot of table work to not only dissect the Shakespeare, but to map out our characters and create all of the many relationships that come to life on stage,” said Nikki Sternberg, a senior who shares the role of Olivia.
She said the blocking helps tell the story when the language can be hard to understand.
“This show is full of so much life and color,” Sternberg said. “The dancing, the costumes, the set, the hair and makeup, the lights, and all other aspects make the show a living, breathing thing. I think the music really separates our show from other Shakespearean performances and is a lot of fun to work with and watch.”
Henry Carson, a junior who plays Toby, said he remembers being impressed by how the actors were able to convey the plot despite the difficult text when he saw “Twelfth Night” as a boy. He said he’s enjoying being able to do that now.
“What’s so great about this production is that the Shakespeare has been morphed in some sections to make room for these great new musical numbers.” Carson said. “The music keeps the pace quick and exciting, while the Shakespeare text is given plenty of time to thrive on stage. It’s a perfect blend.”
The show will be performed at Staples High School auditorium, 70 North Ave. in Westport. Tickets can be purchased at staplesplayers.com, or at the door 30 minutes prior to the show based on availability.