For those wondering why works by Shakespeare are still produced over 400 years after his death, the answer is simple. His works are timeless. They explore human nature, which never changes. Not only did Shakespeare understand human nature, but he was also really good at making fun of it. Now, his “Twelfth Night, or What You Will” is even more laugh-out-loud fun in the Oak Park Festival’s revival that celebrates the theater company’s 50th anniversary season.
A Zany Comedy
Indeed, Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” is a hoot. All the wrong people fall in love with all the wrong people. It lampoons human foibles and the folly of love by a zany mix of mistaken identities, with chaos and bewilderment ensuing.The title of “Twelfth Night” refers to the 12th night of Christmas, also known as the eve of Epiphany. In Shakespeare’s time, the day was often celebrated with a temporary suspension of rules and social order. It gave him a great excuse for the madcap antics that abound in the play.
It's hard to describe all of the antics that the cast of "Twelfth Night" get up to. Josh Darr
Considered a romantic comedy, the play opens with “If music be the food of love, play on” which introduces themes about how ridiculous, irrational, and narcissistic love can be. But this production spends more time on the farcical aspects of Shakespeare’s play than on its romance.
Although “Twelfth Night” is based on mindless shenanigans and having a good time, the play presents a few serious moments. It examines characters’ self-delusions. It also delves into the meaning of life with “Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
The Chicago Production
Set in the Austin Gardens park, scenic designer Evan Frank has provided the stage with green foliage and flowering plants that suggest the fictional island of Illyria. Although it’s an open-air presentation, the stage has a state-of-the art sound system that allows the audience to hear all of Shakespeare’s delicious dialogue. It’s also easy to watch because Devin Cameron’s lighting design. In addition, costume designer Taylor Pfenning has done a terrific job of providing wacky clothing, especially Malvolio’s yellow stockings and cross garters.
Everyone is horrified at Malvolio's (Josh Christopher, R) new outfit, in "Twelfth Night." Josh Darr
The story centers around a young woman named Viola (a charming Ama Kuwonu). After her ship wrecks, she disguises herself as a man named Cesario and enters the services of Duke Orsino (nice portrayal of unrequited love by Evan Ozer). Orsino is in love with the Countess Olivia (a convincing Madison Kiernan), who in turn falls for Cesario. Unfortunately, the disguised Viola has fallen for the Duke. Meanwhile, Olivia’s household is in an uproar with practical jokes and ridiculous confusion, especially involving the steward Malvolio (a hilarious Josh Carpenter), who is mocked mercilessly.
The arrival of Viola’s twin brother Sebastian (a nice turn by Noah Lash) further complicates the situation, leading to a riot of farcical horseplay that ends up happily with the revelation of true identities and joyful marriages.
Viola (Ama Kuwonu, L), in disguise as Cesario, consoles Duke Orsino (Evan Ozer), in "Twelfth Night." Josh Darr
From Milton Berle to musicals like “La Cage aux Folles,” cross-dressing has become commonplace. In our age, it’s also become common off the stage, so that it’s lost its satirical surprise and humor. To his credit, director Peter Andersen doesn’t count on the gender confusion for most of the laughs. Instead, he focuses on the more whimsical twists and turns of love and the silly eccentricity of the play’s characters.
Although all the actors deliver appealing portrayals, some excellent performances stand out. These include a terrific turn by J. Cody Hunt as the pompous Sir Andrew Aguecheek; Kason Chesky as Fabian, the comic servant; and Elijah Newman as Feste, Olivia’s foolish jester. But the highlight portrayals are those of Josh Carpenter as Malvolio, often the butt of jokes, and Kevin Theis, who is hysterical as Sir Toby Belch, Olivia’s drunken cousin.
Thanks to silly misunderstandings, secrets, and a love triangle, there are plenty of comic confrontations, in "Twelfth Night." Josh Darr
A lighthearted Shakespearean romp, “Twelfth Night” unfolds like a hilarious TV sitcom, but with a more elegant use of language. It’s an entertaining summer night out that everyone will enjoy.
‘Twelfth Night, or What You Will’
Oak Park Festival Theatre
157 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, Ill.
Tickets: 708-445-4440 or OakParkFestival.com
Runs: 2 hours, 25 minutes (one intermission)
Closes: Aug. 16, 2025
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