The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Teen company takes on ‘Twelfth Night’
MIDDLETOWN — The Oddfellows Playhouse Teen Company will present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night, or What You Will,” beginning Thursday, May 3, at 7 p.m., with performances continuing through May 12.
“Featuring a cast of actors age 12-19, this production will transport audiences to Shakespeare’s Globe Theater along the Thames in London for an evening of “traditional” theater — loud, fastpaced and riddled with hilarity,” members said in a release.
“These actors have done a terrific job diving into this process to find all of the gold in this play. Their creative energy in rehearsal has really been the driving force behind mining the humor within an intimidating text for actors of any experience level. They’ve brought their own ideas to the table and are making sure that this story is told well with clarity and energy. It's an extraordinary group of empowered young people taking charge of their art and I'm excited for our audiences to experience what this cast has created,” said director Chris Coffey.
Performances will be May 3, 4, 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m., and on May 5 and 12 at 2 p.m. The two Thursday performances are “Pay What You Will.” For more information and tickets go to www.oddfellows.org or call 860-3476143.
The Teen Company at Oddfellows Playhouse is open to youth ages 12–19. The company produces two to three mainstage productions each year, and auditions are open to all.
Sliding scale, work-study, and financial aid are available to any student in need
Performances will be May 3, 4, 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m., and on May 5 and 12 at 2 p.m. The two Thursday performances are “Pay What You Will.”
for all Playhouse programs. The next project coming up at the Playhouse this season is the 30th annual Children’s Circus of Middletown, a co-production with the City of Middletown Commission on the Arts.
Founded in 1975, Odd-
fellows Playhouse is Connecticut’s oldest and largest theater for children and youth. Oddfellows’ mission is to enhance young people's present and inspire their future through engaging, accessible performing arts programming that builds skills, encourages creativity, and strengthens community.
The playhouse offers a year-round program of classes, productions and special events to young people ages 3 – 20 in its 10,000 square foot home on Route 66 in Middletown.
Appropriate for all ages, the production is professionally designed and directed and will feature crossdressing, slapstick comedy and lively swordplay. All performances will be at Oddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington St. Middletown.
Tickets are $8 for students and seniors, and $15 for adults. Visit www.oddfellows.org for more information, or email info@oddfellows.org