Comedic Order in Disorder In PaliHi’s ‘Twelfth Night’

Whether it’s the fluttering emotions of new love, the deviousness of an antagonist’s plot, or the frustration of budding sexuality, words tell one kind of story, but music opens a window into the inner turmoil of the characters. By putting Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night, Or What You Will’ to music for Palisades High’s current production, director Lisa Kraus has rekindled enthusiasm for this early 17th century story, injecting fresh delight in the text supplemented by the joyous exuberance of these young actors. Kraus decided to place the action in the disco-crazed 1970s, where the set matches the cool of 007’white fir-covered chaise longue and swivel lamps’and the costumes rival ‘Saturday Night Fever.’ Old stories are often kept alive by stage directors purposefully changing a play’s time and place in hopes of discovering something new and original in the story.   The players in this tale of frustrated loves, confused identities and delicious tomfoolery speak the words, but reveal their emotions by dancing to such standards as Carly Simon’s ‘You’re So Vain,’ ’10 CC’s ‘I’m Not In Love’ and, of course, Van McCoy’s ‘Do The Hustle.’ There is some real talent here, especially with the strong solos by Lauren Hansen, who plays the clown Feste. Her a cappella rendition of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Lady of the Canyon,’ and Donovan’s ‘Sunshine Superman’ are luminous. Seventies fever spreads by way of disco revival, which this reviewer enjoyed as much as the swiveling, kicking kids on stage in their platform boots. ‘Twelfth Night’ is full of rich, memorable characters: the absurd sentimentalism of the duke Orsino is played by Alex Caan, who sustains the tricky balance between being dignified and downright silly. Chloe Wilson, who displays the youthful freshness of Viola, takes up her service to her master Orsino by wooing the flinty-hearted Olivia (Mia Canter), all the while suffering mightily to conceal her love for him. Minor characters in the service of this confounded love triangle are as delightful as can be. The very talented Julian Schwartzman, who not only delivers some of the funniest wit of the evening, also possesses a strong voice and seamless technique. He really brings Sir Toby Belch to the highest shine. His partners-in-crime, Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Marial Redlin) and Maria (Elena Loper), can’t help but enjoy a rib-aching good time. Mistaken identity reigns freely in this production: Viola disguises herself as her brother, whom she fears has been lost at sea. It’s a familiar theme for Shakespeare, who also used the plot device in ‘The Comedy of Errors.’ The results are hilarious, particularly clever in this production as the costume team, headed by Lorin Doctor, has matched the pairs in color and pattern. With PaliHi’s recently upgraded lighting system, the action can move upstage, stage right and left, successfully, which helps to advance the narrative without a set change. Again, the set design, under committee head Mary Hobbs, is brilliant in its minimal effect. The white palette, anchored by the trio of spiral white cylindrical columns, dish chair, chaise longue and table with a vase of red flowers, is sophisticated and sharp.    ‘Twelfth Night’ is a comedy full of rich language, confused identities, and the ultimate triumph of love. The play continues Thursday through Saturday, December 11-13, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 14 at 2 p.m. in Mercer Hall, Palisades High School, 15777 Bowdoin. Tickets: $10 at the door.