Playcrafters presents ‘Twelfth Night, The Musical’ starting April 5

Celebrating their 75th year in the performing arts, Playcrafters’ first show of the 2024 season pops with a lively twist on the classic romantic Shakespeare comedy, “Twelfth Night.”

A 90-minute jaunty and jazzy musical adaptation in one act — written by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub — takes the audience to the imaginary land of Illyria, where in typical Shakespearean fashion, viewers will be swept up in a love triangle, mistaken identity and more, all in an eclectic musical ride.

“The music is a mix of New Orleans Jazz, Motown, a couple of Broadway show tunes and Pop,” said director Aaron Gould. “There’s a six-piece band headed up by pianist Laura Burhans. The original Shakespeare play had a lot of music, so it’s not surprising that someone turned it into a musical.”

The story begins when twins Viola and Sebastian (played by Aleeza Furman and Noah Bloom) are separated in a shipwreck and Viola is fearful that her twin has died. Meanwhile, she washes up on the shore of fictitious Illyria, and to get a job working for Duke Orsino (played by Zach Chan), she disguises herself as a man. When she lands the job, she is soon sent to “court” Countess Olivia (played by Kendra O’Donnell) on the duke’s behalf. In a twist of fate, the countess herself falls for Viola disguised as Cesario, while Viola is totally enamored by Orsino.

As if the crazy chaos isn’t enough for one play, a subplot involving an arrogant butler named Malvolio (played by Harley Diamond), along with servant Maria (played by Pandora Beatrix), Olivia’s uncle Toby (played by Steve Schulz), and Toby’s friend Andrew (played by Jeff McQuillen) together lend for some interesting trickery, revenge, and deceit.

The spirit of “Twelfth

Night” emerges from a long-ago holiday centered around the Eve of the Feast of Epiphany. During such a holiday, feasting, revelry, and drinking ensued. Servants would dress up as their masters and cross-dressing was the norm.

“It’s all about love and power and the mixture of that,” added Gould.

The blend of classic Shakespearean themes in a modern flare will lend something for all ages before the night ends. Chaos, fun and music … the bard himself would be pleased!

IF YOU GO: Playcrafters presents:

“Twelfth Night, The Musical” @ The Barn, 2011 Store Road @Skippack Pike, Skippack, PA.

April 5, 6, 7*, 12, 13», 14*, 18, 19, 20 *matinee @ 2 PM »matinee @ 2 PM and performance @ 8PM Tickets: $24.00 www.playcrafters.org 610-584-4005