Writer/director Preston Sturges, who was responsible for some of Hollywood’s funniest films of the 1940s, once devised a list of rules for a successful comedy, such as “A birth is better than a death” or “A chase is better than a chat.” The last and most important rule was: “A pratfall is better than anything.”
Akiva Fox, director of Firebelly Productions’ version of Shakespeare’s 1602 farce “Twelfth Night,” which is being presented as part of the local festival celebrating the Bard’s work, has heeded Sturges’ advice and worked in some gloriously funny pratfalls. Indeed, Fox demonstrates a wicked gift for sight gags and slapstick that more than compensates for the show’s bare-bones budget.
Twin siblings Viola (Amanda Thickpenny) and Sebastian (Vince Eisenson) are separated during a violent shipwreck. They both turn up on the shores of Illyria, each believing that the other is dead. For reasons too complicated to go into here, Viola dons male drag, calls herself Cesario and becomes a page for Duke Orsino (Ryan Nealy), who is in love with Countess Olivia (Mikal Evans).
When “Cesario” brings a message to Olivia, she falls head over heels for “him.” Eventually, Sebastian shows up and Olivia, of course, assumes that he is the object of her affection, leading to the inevitable mistaken identity mix-ups.
Meanwhile, Olivia’s uncle, Sir Toby Belch (John Tweel), with his drinking buddies Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Dave Daniels), maid Maria (Joanna Edle), servant Fabian (Brian Lee Huynh) and jester Feste (Jon Reynolds), plot to give their nemesis, cold-blooded, anal-retentive steward Malvolio (Joshua Drew), his comeuppance by making him believe that Olivia desires him.
Under Fox’s guidance, all of the actors give absolutely hilarious performances, with the proper light-as-a-feather touch and a flair for physical humor. However, as per tradition, it is Belch and his low-comedy partners-in-crime that dominate the proceedings.
The show’s main technical asset is Lynly Saunders’ costumes, which include both period and modern styles. (Both Viola and Sebastian wear identical dark pin-striped suits.) In an especially creative touch, Olivia is dressed in a series of increasingly colorful evening gowns.
Firebelly’s uproarious, no-frills “Twelfth Night” proves that, when it comes to doing Shakespeare, talent and imagination top elaborate production values every time.
‘Twelfth Night’
Firebelly Productions’ “Twelfth Night” runs through Sunday
» Venue: Theatre on the Run, 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington
» Performances: 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday
» Tickets: $15
» More info: 703-409-2372 or www.firebellyproductions.net
