SEQUIM — Olympic Theatre Arts’ Gathering Hall will be transformed into an Elizabethan House of Revelry tonight for the first of three staged readings of William Shakespeare’s comedy, “Twelfth Night (Or What You Will).”
The performances will be at 7 tonight with matinees planned at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the theater at 414 N. Sequim Ave.
Come in costume
Patrons are encouraged to come in costume and “get into the spirit of things,” said Rich Hendricksen, who is directing the show for the third year.
“The performance is not just up on stage,” he said. “We perform down among the audience. Everybody can keep eating and drinking,” with servers ready to replenish any needs.
Tickets are available online at www.olympictheatrearts.org or at the theater box office, which is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Tickets also will be sold at the door one hour prior to show time if available. Seating is limited.
The classic Shakespearean comedy focuses on mistaken identities, crossed lovers and farcical pranks played out by an elaborately costumed cast and accompanying minstrels.
About 15 actors participate in the readers theater, in which they have scripts in their hands and don’t memorize the lines.
“It’s possibly about the only Shakespeare readers theater around,” Hendrickson said.
“We do blocking and have some sword play, which is not easy when you are holding your script and your sword at the same time.”
Period music
Period music will be performed and “the decorating seems to get better each year,” Hendricksen said.
“This production just keeps getting more festive and elaborate,” he said.
“This year we have added new props and set dressings.”
For more information, contact the theater box office, 360-683-7326.
