Congratulations and three cheers to the cast and crew of Twelfth Night for three high-energy, fast-paced, and sold out shows this past weekend.

The musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy featured humor, heart, enthusiasm and superb acting, singing, and dancing, spotlighting a classic tale of mistaken identity and self-discovery re-told with contemporary flair.

Conceived by Shaina Taub and Kwame Kwei-Armah and named one of the best theatrical productions of 2018, this updated tale follows Viola, separated from her twin, Sebastian, by a shipwreck that deposits her in Illyria. Disguised as the pageboy Cesario to become Duke Orsino’s servant, Viola instead falls for Orsino, who’s already in love with Countess Olivia, who, meanwhile, falls for Cesario — and you get the picture.

This MHS production featured Avah DeBenedetto ’27 as Viola, Fiona Gordon ’26 as Countess Olivia, Indigo Travis ’27 as Duke Orsino, Willa Dowling-Paul ’25 as Malvolio, Olivia’s steward, and Anna White ’27 as Sebastian. Kaja Knezevic ’27 and Izzy Stewart ’28 played Olivia’s servants Maria, and Fabian, while Matilda Heaton Wellenstein ’27 was Feste, the Fool.

The production also starred EA Peña ’25 as Olivia’s uncle, Sir Toby Belch, Alfie Su ’28 as Sir Toby’s friend, Sir Andrew, and Linnea Keiser-Clark ’27 as Antonio, a ship captain and friend to Sebastian. The ensemble featured Jaime Corpuz ’26, Maddie Craig ’26, Romee He ’27, Eleanor Jacobsen ’27, Maddie Minkler ’28, Ava Lawson ’28, Sophie O’Brien ’27, Myles Patton ’27, Tina Pham ’25, Rafa Romanini ’26, Vale Romero ’25, Sonia Rundle ’27, and Linée Weiner ’28.

The musical’s technical crew included Stage Managers Kara Kisselbrock ’26 overseeing the front of the house, and Izzy Aponte ’26 and Kat Lunden ’25 overseeing backstage. Suki Kam ’26, Alice Kwiatkowski ’25, Vivian Marchetti ’28, Charlie Stokes ’27, and Vivian Yang ’25 assisted with costumes and props, Julia Tocchio ’25 was the Light Board Operator, with Alice Zi ’28 and Lu Sanchez ’28 operating spotlights. Ploy Jongjaroonrungson ’26 designed the program cover.

The performance was directed by Jennifer Jordan, MHS Director of Theater and Dance, who also choreographed the show, with assistance from Emilie Coziol-Desy ’25, Hyeon Jung ’26, and Tuan Nguyen. Katie Polebaum-Freeman oversaw lighting and set design and served as the production’s Technical Director.

Joe Rose served as Musical Director/Accompanist, with Cassidy Smith ’27 (trombone) and Matt Smith, Ph.D., P’27, MHS Assistant Dean of Students and Residential Life Coordinator (clarinet), performing in the musical ensemble. Eleanor Jacobsen ’27 was Assistant Music Director and Alec Jordan arranged the storm music for the musical’s opening scene.

Well done, everyone!!