Looking for a laugh?

Posted: 03.28.2012 at 2:19 PM

HOUGHTON -- He is considered one of the greatest writers of all time, and performers from Michigan Tech are taking on a comedy by William Shakespeare.

“Twelfth Night” is about a young woman who washes up on shore after a shipwreck and thinks her husband died at sea, so she decides to dress up as a man before going into town. Meanwhile, Count Orsino falls in love with Countess Olivia, but she is not interested.

“Throughout the story, I fall in love with one of his pageboys, who is Viola disguised as Cesario, so it’s just a whole story about a love triangle and mixed identities,” said actor Paige Borel.

Shakespeare plays are filled with some tough dialogue which can make it difficult for the actors to memorize their lines, so how did this cast do it?

“Everyday since before winter break, I go out and walk the dog and I recite all my lines to my dog. The language is difficult, but if you dig deeper and get into the feelings of what’s being said, it becomes a lot easier,” said actor Charles Wallace.

Set during the 1600s, one unique thing about this play is the intricate costume designs by Michigan Tech students. The designers had to drive all the way to Green Bay for fabric and spent countless hours doing research and sketches until the final designs were revealed on stage.

Unlike the more serious Shakespeare plays, this one is filled with fun and silly antics.

“Sir Toby Belch is the devious drunken uncle who causes all the problems in the show, it seems like. He’s always trying to get people to fence with each other and trying to help his buddy win over the lady,” said actor Dennis Kerwin.

If you are interested in seeing this play, it runs March 29 through April 1 in the McArdle Theater and tickets cost $10.