There have been countless different interpretations of Shakespeare over the years, many of these attempting new, humorous spins on the classic plays to invoke reactions from jaded audiences. In this production by Valley Christian High School’s Conservatory of the Arts, Shakespeare’s riotous Twelfth Night is given a musical makeover, with the insertion of modern songs from the last 50 years or so directly into the structure of the play. For the most part, the approach actually works.
Twelfth Night was surely carefully selected for this modern, pop-tastic translation, as its chaotic plot and uproarious characters chimed perfectly with a more tongue-in-cheek, non-traditional approach. There is talent here aplenty from the young actors involved, with particular praise reserved for the delightfully snooty Malvolio and the strutting, knowing Feste. Elsewhere, Sir Toby’s drunken antics get big laughs from the audience, while his clumsy interaction with Sir Andrew provides much solid entertainment.
The songs themselves are mostly well selected. The Four Seasons’ Walk Like a Man is beautifully employed during Viola’s attempts to get herself into character, while the inclusion of more modern songs like One Direction’s What Makes You Beautiful and Carly Rae Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe are thoughtfully placed and enthusiastically received by the mostly young audience.
Nevertheless, there are some hiccups with the production, including some questionable high notes and spoken delivery that is lost amidst the thundering backing track. The inclusion of fart jokes, while appealing to the younger members of the audience also seemed like a low moment in an otherwise clever production.
12th Night: Serenade is a light-hearted take on Shakespearean comedy that nevertheless stays largely true to the central plot developments of the original work. The young actors make good use of a sparse set and it is clear from watching this that many have a bright future ahead of them. It might not be perfect, but it is certainly to be commended. In the words of Orsino, ‘If music be the food of love, play on.’
