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    Twelfth Night

    Twelfth Night

    Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company

    August 8-September 12, 2008

    Avg. Event Rating (4.5 Stars): 4.5 out of 5 stars rating Add Review/Comment

    SSTC often places Shakespeare's plays in modern or fantastical settings. This year we will be taking one of Shakespeare's most revered comedies and placing it in – get ready for it - Elizabethan England. It is so crazy, it just might work!  In honor of our 10th Anniversary Season, we are paying homage to what truly makes Shady Shakespeare great – Shakespeare himself. We invite you to come and enjoy this play as it might have been presented by the Bard's company. SSTC's production of Twelfth Night revels in all the trappings of Shakespearean theatre, including cross-dressing twins, mistaken identities, and men in tights!

    Twelfth Night follows the story of Viola, a young woman shipwrecked on the shores of Illyria after a storm in which she lost her twin brother Sebastian. Believing her brother dead, she poses as a man and masquerades as a young page named Cesario, entering into the service of Duke Orsino. Orsino is in love with the Lady Olivia and he decides to use his new page as a go-between. Olivia, believing Viola to be a man, falls in love with this handsome and eloquent messenger. Viola, in turn, falls in love with the Duke, who also believes Viola is a man.

    In addition to this love triangle many other shenanigans ensue...Sir Toby Belch, Olivia's uncle, tries to get Sir Andrew Aguecheek, a friend with an open coin purse, to woo Olivia for himself; several characters conspire to make Malvolio, Olivia's pompous steward, believe that Olivia wishes to marry him; and, in a final twist, Sebastian, Viola's long-lost twin brother, stumbles into the Dukedom in the midst of all of the above. Will Viola and Sebastian find each other? What will happen when swords are drawn? And whose love will win out overall? Come to SSTC's Twelfth Night to find out!

    • Ticket Info

      Tickets: Free ($6 parking per car)

      Info Phone: 408-569-0360

      Buy tickets

    • Dates & Times

      Dates:
      August 8-September 12, 2008

      Times:
      8/8-8/10, 8/23, 8/24, 8/29, 9/6, 9/7, & 9/12: 7pm

    • Venue Info

      Sanborn County Park

      16055 Sanborn Road Saratoga, CA 95070

      Full map and directions

    • Accessibility Info
    • NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate. However it's a good idea to visit the official website or call the venue to verify the information.

    • Member Reviews
      • Event Name: As You Like It
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Tonight is your last chance to see this great production!"
        Review posted by: Vox Theattricum from San Francisco, CA, Sep 10, 2009

        I saw this production of "As You Like It" last week and really loved it. It's a play about leaving the city and going off into the woods and discovering things about yourself in the process. This... Expand

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        I saw this production of "As You Like It" last week and really loved it. It's a play about leaving the city and going off into the woods and discovering things about yourself in the process. This is your opportunity to actually see it in the woods, which adds another level of fun and understanding to the show. If you work in Silicon Valley I'd suggest seeing this to learn about what entertainment was like before all the technology that we live and work with today. Don't get me wrong - I enjoy using computers and the internet. That is how I am communicating with you! But this play is all about real human beings and their emotions and experiences. It was written over four hundred years ago, but you'll see when you watch it how some things in life have not changed much since then. It also delightfully acted by a most excellent cast, including the best Rosalind I have ever seen. (And I have seen plenty!) And it's free! Go support live theater! Collapse

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      • Event Name: Richard III
        4 out of 5 stars rating "Richard III - Thumbs Up!"
        Review posted by: Michelle from the Bay Area, Sep 02, 2009

        I've seen many productions of R3 and this production was among the top 10! I enjoyed Paul Jennings portrayal of the beast that is Richard...the way he shamelessly goes after his desires at all costs,... Expand

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        I've seen many productions of R3 and this production was among the top 10! I enjoyed Paul Jennings portrayal of the beast that is Richard...the way he shamelessly goes after his desires at all costs, and he clearly enjoys his deceiving and conquering others with such ease. He has a sneaky and develish expression which was perfect for Richard...charming and wicked all at the same time. Makes for a perfect evening. Come early, bring wine, bask under the stars, and allow Richard to woo you along with the rest of the cast. Collapse

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      • Event Name: As You Like It
        4 out of 5 stars rating "As You Like It - A Must See"
        Review posted by: Michelle from Bay Area, Sep 02, 2009

        As You Like It was very well done, an excellent/strong cast, engaging and fun! I highly recommend seeing this production. My 10 yr old and her friend also loved it! It is a great introduction of... Expand

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        As You Like It was very well done, an excellent/strong cast, engaging and fun! I highly recommend seeing this production. My 10 yr old and her friend also loved it! It is a great introduction of Shakespeare to young kids. To top it off, the atmosphere is perfect, in Sanborn park, under the stars...Thank you Shady Shakespeare Company! Collapse

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      • Event Name: As You Like It
        "As You Like It"
        Comment posted by: CJ from Menlo Park, CA, Sep 02, 2009

        A totally charming production held in an enchanting venue: it is indeed, "As You Like It!" Highly entertaining!

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        A totally charming production held in an enchanting venue: it is indeed, "As You Like It!" Highly entertaining!

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: As You Like It
        "As you LIke it!"
        Comment posted by: Melanie from Mt View, Aug 29, 2009

        Fabulous! Cleverly done. Really enjoyed it. Thank you for the wonderful productions that you do every year.

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        Fabulous! Cleverly done. Really enjoyed it. Thank you for the wonderful productions that you do every year.

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      • Event Name: Richard III
        3 out of 5 stars rating "A competent"
        Review posted by: Cheryl B. from San Jose, CA, Aug 26, 2009

        This “Richard” is definitely worth going to see because it’s a perfectly competent production of one of the Bard’s greatest histories, but it didn’t knock my socks off. It seemed to lack the... Expand

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        This “Richard” is definitely worth going to see because it’s a perfectly competent production of one of the Bard’s greatest histories, but it didn’t knock my socks off. It seemed to lack the inspiration, energy, and vision of the company’s charming production of “As You Like It.” There are some amazing performances (Doll Piccotto alone is worth going to see for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth), some solid but less than thrilling (Paul Jennings’ turn as Richard was proficient, but he seemed a bit isolated in his own one-note bubble), but none that ruined the show for me, which is a plus. The costumes were wonderful (and there were so many!), but I didn’t understand why so many of the bit parts were played by women in drag rather than just making the characters female. All in all, definitely worth a look, especially at the bargain price of free :). Collapse

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      • Event Name: Richard III
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Go See R3!!!"
        Review posted by: Shady Shakespeare Fan from San Jose, CA, Aug 23, 2009

        Paul Jennings has created a unique and memorable Richard that we loved to hate! Thank you! The famous scene where Richard wins the heart of Lady Anne after killing her husband was wonderfully... Expand

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        Paul Jennings has created a unique and memorable Richard that we loved to hate! Thank you! The famous scene where Richard wins the heart of Lady Anne after killing her husband was wonderfully sickening. The acting was superb by all, although I was very distracted when Lucinda Dobson portrayed the mayor of London in beard and fat suit; her mugging was amateurish and seemed all about going for cheap laughs rather than creating a real character to support the scene. Her other roles were professionally portrayed. David Mcguire was a standout in his contrasting roles. Suggestion: You'll enjoy the show much more and be less confused if you do your history homework before attending. There are multiple Edwards, Henrys, Richards and Elizabeths in this family tree! Good grief! The directing was beautifully simple and smooth. The period costumes were a pleasure. And it's fun to sit outside and drink hot chocolate! Collapse

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      • Event Name: The Comedy of Errors
        4 out of 5 stars rating "Shakespear Ahoy!"
        Review posted by: Bishopbosco from San Jose, CA, Sep 10, 2008

        Shady Shakespeare's second offering in this season Twins Gone Wild is The Comedy of Errors. Director Larry Barrott sets the piece smack dab in the middle of the Pirates of the Carribean with terrific... Expand

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        Shady Shakespeare's second offering in this season Twins Gone Wild is The Comedy of Errors. Director Larry Barrott sets the piece smack dab in the middle of the Pirates of the Carribean with terrific results. The set and costumes are excellent. Performances by John Rutski (chanelling his inner Jack Sparrow as Antipholous of Ephesus), Janine Burgener (nice physical comedy and adept silliness as Dromio of Ephesus) and Vera Sloan (a delightful Luciana) lead a uniformally fine cast. "Comedy: has some exposition to slog through at the beginning as we learn of the political situation between Syracuse and Ephesus, hear the tale of two sets of lost twins and get the low down on Antipholous of Ephesus' married life. But once the cases of mistaken identity begin the play really kicks into high gear. Moving at an enjoyable pace until reaching the inevitable happy ending. Arrrr! Collapse

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      • Event Name: The Comedy of Errors
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Ashland can kiss Shady Shakes' Pirate BOOTY!"
        Review posted by: Can't wait to go AGAIN! from San Jose, CA, Aug 17, 2008

        I'm the critical sort. I often enjoy seeing a play so that the next day I can complain about how the show might have been improved upon, yet both my husband and I are at a loss here to find anything... Expand

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        I'm the critical sort. I often enjoy seeing a play so that the next day I can complain about how the show might have been improved upon, yet both my husband and I are at a loss here to find anything to complain about. This was the most accessible approach to Shakespeare that I've ever seen. They used a themed approach, that although may sound like it might be merely amusing, worked so brilliantly in combination with the characterizations and excellent direction. Thoroughly entertainig. I've certainly never howled at a Shakespeare comedy before. Gentle titters, maybe, howling and snorting never, until now. If you can imagine Shakespeare combined with commedia, plus a little extra "campiness" thrown in for good measure? The brilliant characterizations lent to even greater appreciation of the play. Some brilliant acting happening. Loved it, loved it, loved it!!! WARNING: Don't forget the mosquito repellant! (Oh, and you'll get used to the parrot...)SPOILER: Pirates of the Carribean! Collapse

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      • Event Name: The Tempest
        4 out of 5 stars rating "very entertaining"
        Review posted by: Mia from San Jose, Sep 06, 2007

        This was a very entertaining experience. I admit that my old-English is rusty, so I did not understand much of what they said, but surly part of it may have been caused by not-perfect diction. Still,... Expand

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        This was a very entertaining experience. I admit that my old-English is rusty, so I did not understand much of what they said, but surly part of it may have been caused by not-perfect diction. Still, it was a very interesting concept, and the performance was well executed. Ariel and Caliban were exquisite. Come early to get your seat! Weekend nights tend to be full. Bring a sweather as it gets chilly in the mountain. Dont forget to buy a raffle ticket! Collapse

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