By Jody Tuso-Key —Managing Editor 

Last Monday marked the Feast of the Epiphany in the Christian Calendar, which is a perfect time for The Atlanta Shakespeare Company to perform TWELFTH NIGHT at the Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern. The title is an allusion to the night of festivity preceding the Feast of the Epiphany. You know the song ‘The 12 days of Christmas’? Well, interestingly enough, the 12th day (12 drummers drumming) falls on the Feast of the Epiphany. However, don’t expect to see 12 drummers, three kings, or a nativity in this show. What you’ll experience instead is a rollicking comedy with classic Shakespearean hallmark humor…. 

• Twins separated at sea
• A woman who disguises herself as an eunuch 
• A plot reminiscent of the 1980 J. Gile’s band song ‘Love Stinks’
• Drunken pranksters and outlandish characters 
• One of the most famous quotes of all time

The quote being, “Some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”

I’ve been attending performances at The Shakespeare Tavern since 2019 and this performance is one of the best I’ve seen yet! Interestingly, enough, it was one of the first performances I ever saw at the Shakespeare Tavern back in January, 2019. The Atlanta Shakespeare Company has outdone themselves with this production. The best thing for me this time was being able to bring my dear BFF Vicki, and my two goddaughters, Dylan and Danielle as well as Dylan’s beau, Josh, who is a former thespian from John’s Creek High. This was Vicki’s first professional performance ever, and she raved about how much she enjoyed the show. 

If you’ve never been to The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, you’re in for a treat. This is an immersive experience complete with a ready-to-eat Café-style menu and signature cocktails. It stays true to the original source material, but also adds in theatrical elements of Melodrama and improv. I always have always a rollicking good time as Shakespeare is my jam. Even if you don’t understand Shakespeare, these performers make it accessible. If you are not versed in Victorian English, my only suggestion would be to make sure you read the synopsis of the play before you see it so that you have an idea of what’s going on. I had assumed that Vicki knew what the show was about. During the first act, she laughed at many of the jokes at intermission. She told me, “I have no idea what’s going on, but this is really funny.” I proceeded to fill her in on the plot, so she could enjoy the second act even more. So if you’re bringing a Shakespeare Newby into the Tavern, make sure that you explain what the show is about if they haven’t looked it up themselves. 

The entire cast is magnificent, but the Key-Noteworthy best performer in this show goes to Tyren Duncan for his portrayal of Malvolio, yellow tights and all. He is a genius study in comedic timing and movement. His outlandish poses and dances add hyperbole to the already ridiculous character and accent for so many ROTFL moments. Best supporting role goes to one of my favorite actors, O’Neil Delapenha as the drunken prankster Sir Toby. His ability to shift between proper Shakespearean acting and modern day colloquialisms paired with skilled improv, always make him a delight to see on stage.

I also must give a shout out to the 3 ladies on stage—Alejandra Ruiz (Viola),

Anna Holland (Olivia), and Amy L. Levin (Maria) each lady embodied their characters and made wonderful choices on stage.

Twelfth Night runs until January 25th, so be sure and get your tickets right away as they are selling out fast!