Editor of the Reformer:
Reformer.com
Monday, February 11
Had it not been for my daughter's enthusiasm in seeing New England Youth Theatre's production of "Twelfth Night" last month I might have missed perhaps the finest performance that I have ever seen. I don't mean the finest performance of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" of which I have seen several, nor the best performance produced at New England Youth Theatre, but dare I say the best theatrical performance of all the professional and nonprofessional on and off Broadway performances ever.
Rosa Palmeri and Allie Bliss truly starred in their creation of Shakespeare's romantic comedy. They're talents, refined just enough to carry off the sophisticated script yet not so over studied as to dull even one moment of the 21/2 hour performance. The actors' authenticity and abundant energy imbibed each character (10 or more) with its own unique wit, style and persona. The actors were graceful, spunky and completely captivating from start to finish.
The director, Peter Gould, told the audience that he was quite sure now, that Shakespeare intended "Twelfth Night" to be performed by two teenage girls. I can't agree more, but I will add that he wrote this play for Peter Gould's direction. Peter masterfully crafted this production which moved quickly but never rushed, and was more choreographed than blocked. The timing and fluidity of this hilarious rendition was theatrical perfection! The slapstick which Shakespeare is so loved for, was not over acted with excess pomp and goof. It never once offended the audience's sensibilities, a common flaw even among the most touted direction. Instead, it lifted the audience into spellbound laughter again and again.
It is well known that Shakespeare wrote for everyone, but not everyone performs it as such; however, new England Youth Theatre's performance of "Twelfth Night" did this great playwright justice. In keeping with Shakespeare's plays within plays, this show begins with two teenage girls who use their messy room as a painter would use her pallette, spontaneously draping themselves with "whatever's laying around" in order to act out some play they apparently have to read for an English class. My 8-year-old daughter didn't miss a tic of this 15th century plot, while the adult humor and poignant social matter, appropriately, went over her head to be met by the appreciative seasoned ear. It was play time for both young and old.
Perhaps the final zest that polishes this performance to perfection is the "groove" that these actors created for one another, a quality of intimacy that far surpasses the notion of teamwork. The synchronicity and grace that shimmered throughout this performance of "Twelfth Night" is not studyable. A million rehearsals (which were essential to the success of this performance) could not have developed the exquisite theatrical harmonies that these teenage girls, Rose Palmeri and Allie Bliss performed together.
This powerful co-creative impulse is a quality, I think, more common among women and even more so, among girls. There is a great deal for us to celebrate and learn, here, if we so choose.
These actors have brought forth a jewel, worthy of international recognition. I hope that the New England Youth Theatre is able to bring this performance back on stage soon; furthermore, if there is a possibility of taking this amazing work of art to England, I urge anyone who is able to sponsor such an endeavor to do so, for it is a gift to behold.
Jess Diamondstone,
Reformer.com
Monday, February 11
Had it not been for my daughter's enthusiasm in seeing New England Youth Theatre's production of "Twelfth Night" last month I might have missed perhaps the finest performance that I have ever seen. I don't mean the finest performance of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" of which I have seen several, nor the best performance produced at New England Youth Theatre, but dare I say the best theatrical performance of all the professional and nonprofessional on and off Broadway performances ever.
Rosa Palmeri and Allie Bliss truly starred in their creation of Shakespeare's romantic comedy. They're talents, refined just enough to carry off the sophisticated script yet not so over studied as to dull even one moment of the 21/2 hour performance. The actors' authenticity and abundant energy imbibed each character (10 or more) with its own unique wit, style and persona. The actors were graceful, spunky and completely captivating from start to finish.
The director, Peter Gould, told the audience that he was quite sure now, that Shakespeare intended "Twelfth Night" to be performed by two teenage girls. I can't agree more, but I will add that he wrote this play for Peter Gould's direction. Peter masterfully crafted this production which moved quickly but never rushed, and was more choreographed than blocked. The timing and fluidity of this hilarious rendition was theatrical perfection! The slapstick which Shakespeare is so loved for, was not over acted with excess pomp and goof. It never once offended the audience's sensibilities, a common flaw even among the most touted direction. Instead, it lifted the audience into spellbound laughter again and again.
It is well known that Shakespeare wrote for everyone, but not everyone performs it as such; however, new England Youth Theatre's performance of "Twelfth Night" did this great playwright justice. In keeping with Shakespeare's plays within plays, this show begins with two teenage girls who use their messy room as a painter would use her pallette, spontaneously draping themselves with "whatever's laying around" in order to act out some play they apparently have to read for an English class. My 8-year-old daughter didn't miss a tic of this 15th century plot, while the adult humor and poignant social matter, appropriately, went over her head to be met by the appreciative seasoned ear. It was play time for both young and old.
Perhaps the final zest that polishes this performance to perfection is the "groove" that these actors created for one another, a quality of intimacy that far surpasses the notion of teamwork. The synchronicity and grace that shimmered throughout this performance of "Twelfth Night" is not studyable. A million rehearsals (which were essential to the success of this performance) could not have developed the exquisite theatrical harmonies that these teenage girls, Rose Palmeri and Allie Bliss performed together.
This powerful co-creative impulse is a quality, I think, more common among women and even more so, among girls. There is a great deal for us to celebrate and learn, here, if we so choose.
These actors have brought forth a jewel, worthy of international recognition. I hope that the New England Youth Theatre is able to bring this performance back on stage soon; furthermore, if there is a possibility of taking this amazing work of art to England, I urge anyone who is able to sponsor such an endeavor to do so, for it is a gift to behold.
Jess Diamondstone,