Old Academy Players proudly presents Shakespeare's immortal TWELFTH NIGHT, OR WHAT YOU WILL.

Old Academy Players proudly presents Shakespeare’s immortal TWELFTH NIGHT, OR WHAT YOU WILL.

Old Academy Players opens its 2015-16 season with TWELFTH NIGHT, one of William Shakespeare’s funniest and most musical of all his comedies. Directed by Old Academy veteran Carla Childs of Mt. Airy, the show runs September 11-October 4, 2015. NO SHOWS SEPTEMBER 25-27 DUE TO PAPAL VISIT. The show is produced by Helga Krauss of Chestnut Hill and Dale Mezzacappa of Mt. Airy.

“If music be the food of love, play on!” The first recorded performance of the Bard’s TWELFTH NIGHT was on 2 February 1602, at Candlemas, the formal end of Christmastide. The play is regarded as having preserved the Elizabethan festival of Twelfth Night calling for entertainment, songs and mummery in a traditional atmosphere of licensed disorder.

That is exactly how TWELFTH NIGHT shakes it up! Shipwrecked twins Viola and Sebastian each believe the other to be drowned. Viola, assuming the name of Cesario and dressing in male clothing, serves as a page to the Duke of Illyria. Cesario must woo the gentlewoman Olivia for the Duke. But Olivia loves Cesario (really Viola) and Viola loves the Duke. Sebastian arrives (not drowned but identical to and mistaken for the male clad Viola/Cesario) and hilarity ensues as Sebastian loves Olivia. Olivia’s household of the saucy Maria, the pompous Mavolio, Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek play out the comical sub-plots as Feste the Jester sings with truth and love.

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ‘em.” TWELFTH NIGHT showcases the talents of Hyresh Davis (Orsinio, the Duke of Illyria), Simon Rabinowitz (Valentine/1st Officer), Randall Shupp (Curio/2nd Officer), Alice McBee (Viola/Cesario), David Moyer (Captain), Michael Monroe (Sir Toby Belch), Marisa Block (Maria), Ken Wilson (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Allison Deratzian (Feste the Jester), Laura Seeley (Olivia), Joshua M. Keiter (Malvolio), Bob Toczek (Antonio), Thomas Abraham (Fabian), Zachary Powers (Sebastian), and George H. Webster (Priest). Attendees will leave the theatre with a belly full of laughter and a heart of delight!

Located at 3544 Indian Queen Lane in East Falls, the urban village on the Schuylkill River, Old Academy Players has provided continuous community theater since 1923, and featured the acting debuts of both Grace Kelly and Robert Prosky. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 pm; Sunday matinée performances are at 2 pm. Ticket prices are $15 for plays and $20 for musicals. Old Academy welcomes groups! If you have 15 or more in your party, you can take advantage of group discount pricing. Parking for all performances is free. For information and reservations, call 215-843-1109 or visit the theater’s website at www.oldacademyplayers.org.