And this time? Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is certainly not a tragedy. Nor does it present any really exemplary characters. Although the Clown, Feste, is to be commended for avoiding the syrupy sentimentality of the Duke on the one hand, and the moroseness of Olivia on the other, he is a shade too worldly to be considered ideal. His companions Sir Andrew and Sir Toby, needless to say, are far from being paragons of virtue, the one embodying vain superficiality and the other idle drunkenness. Maria? Spunky and clever, but a bit spiteful. Malvolio? You must be joking. Viola? Sweet and innocent, but naïve. Antonio… a good friend, but there’s that little matter of his run-in with the authorities in Illyria. Sebastian is likeable enough, but not hero material.

The strength of Twelfth Night, then, is not in its presentation of morality--though one could actually become a better person by simply avoiding the moral weaknesses of the characters mentioned. No, the real interest of the play is in its celebration of…well, for lack of a better word, fun. The very title of the play refers to the Epiphany Eve, the last of the ‘twelve days of Christmas’ and the culmination of the Christmas festivities—a time for pulling all the stops, putting on the dog, and sparing no effort to ensure that every last crumb of Christmas merriment has been savoured. (Though strictly speaking the Christmas season does continue until the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, and even, in the broader sense, until the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, on the 2nd of February.)

As Catholics, we remember that our liturgical year counts more feast days than fast days, and that we have reason to be joyful—God having sent His only Son to restore us to Himself. Due to the strain of Irish Puritanism in me, I sometimes have to put it to myself this way: Christians have a duty to be joyful.

Having completed two serious productions, we at the DBDC felt ready to let our hair down and engage in a frankly frivolous celebration of fun.

"If music be the food of love, play on..."
                          Duke Orsino, Act I, Scene i

Cast

(In Order of Appearance)

Orsino, Duke of Illyria…….………………...…………………..…………Shane Westin
Curio……………………….………………………………………..…......Marissa Henry
Attendant to the Duke.……..………………………………………..……...Jenna Henry

Musicians…...……….………………………………....……Gabrielle Ferri (Keyboard), ..………………………….…....………Sharon Milan (AutoHarp), Lizzy Linton (Cello)

Lords………….………………………….….…….…Joseph Stuart, Michael Schintgen
Valentine……….……………………………….………………………………..Julia Frie
Viola…………….…………………………………………….……………Rebekah Ryan
Sea-Captain……….………………………………………....................…Angela Hardy
Sailors……..……….……………………..…..Jacob Schmiedicke, Laura VanderHulst
Sir Toby Belch…….…………………………………………………..…….Aaron Cripps
Maria…..………….………………………………………………….……Christy Bulman
Sir Andrew  Aguecheek……………………………………….......………..Joseph Platt
Feste the Clown…………….……………………………...………….…Patrick Giguère
Lady Olivia………………….……………………………………….…….Theresa Ulmer
Malvolio………………………………………………...............................…Rob Koechl
Attendants to Olivia….…………………..….….. Angela Reilander, Loretta Marrocco
Antonio……………………………….…………………..………..………….Greg Aitken
Sebastian……..……………………….……………………………...…Elana Mazzarolo
Fabian………………………………….…………………….………..Meaghan Darwent
Speaking Servant………………………………….………….……..Johanna Whittaker
Officers….……………….…………....Diane April, Margaret Beresford, Susan Smith
Priest………………………………….……………………………...…..Kenneth Walker
Third Attendant to Olivia………………………………………………Veronica Sebanc

Production Crew

Director: Christine Marlin
Stage Manager: Carol Reaume
Costume Director: Pamela Compeau
 
Assistant Stage Manager: Theresa Merrick

Assistant Costume Director: Maggie Cunningham
 
Set Design
Andrew Baklinski, Jen Baklinski, Tim Baklinski, Carol Reaume
 
Sound & Light
Jenna Gannon, Jacob Schmiedicke

Make-Up
Angela Reilander, Laura VanderHulst
 
Costume Production
Margaret Beresford, Pamela Compeau, Aaron Cripps, Maggie Cunningham, Theodora Ferrant, Jenna Henry, Theresa Merrick,  Daniel Millette, Carol Reaume, Stephen Vajdik

Set Construction
Andrew Baklinski, Tim Baklinski, Michael Fisk, Angela Hardy, Daniel Millette, Frances Platt, Carol Reaume, Cody Robinson

Stage Hands
Margaret  Beresford, Michael Fisk, Theresa Merrick, Daniel Millette, Frances Platt, Cody Robinson, Michael Schintgen, Susan Smith

Program: Jenna Henry
Poster & Program Cover Design: Angela Reilander
Publicity: Jenna Henry
 
Refreshments: Heather Braun, Catherine Ryan

Plot Summary

Acts One and Two – The twins Viola and Sebastian are shipwrecked and land on separate parts of the country of Illyria. For protection, Viola disguises herself as a man with the name Cesario, and ends up serving as a page to Orsino, the Duke of Illyria. She falls in love with the Duke. Orsino, for his part, is in love with the Countess Olivia, but she is in mourning for her brother and won’t receive any man’s advances. Nevertheless, the Duke persists in wooing Olivia by sending Cesario as his go-between; ironically, Olivia falls for the charms of Cesario himself, unaware that ‘he’ is really a she.

Meanwhile, there is tension in Olivia’s household as her steward Malvolio tries to maintain an atmosphere of sobriety, while Olivia’s uncle Sir Toby Belch enjoys constant merriment alongside his drinking companions Feste (a clown) and Sir Andrew Aguecheek. Sir Andrew is paying Sir Toby to help him win the hand of Olivia, but in reality Sir Toby does nothing to help Sir Andrew’s cause.

To punish Malvolio for his Puritanical attitude, Olivia’s chamberwoman Maria decides to play a trick on him: she writes a letter in Olivia’s handwriting, saying that she loves Malvolio, and asking him to show his love by wearing yellow stockings with cross garters, and by smiling constantly in her presence.

{Intermission}

Acts Three, Four and Five – Olivia declares her love for Cesario openly, upon which Sir Toby convinces Sir Andrew to propose a duel with Cesario. As Sir Andrew and Cesario reluctantly start to duel, however, Sebastian’s friend Antonio rushes in and, thinking Viola/Cesario is Sebastian, interrupts the duel. Antonio is arrested as an enemy of the state, and is shocked when Cesario doesn’t respond to his request for the money he had lent Sebastian.

In the next scene, Sir Andrew tries to attack Cesario again but unknowingly runs into Sebastian instead, who wounds Sir Andrew and Sir Toby. Feste pesters Malvolio, who has been committed to a dark room because of his strange antics. Olivia takes up with Sebastian, thinking he is Cesario, and marries him.

The Duke is angry when he hears of Olivia’s claim to have married Cesario, but the truth of the matter is revealed when both twins appear on stage together. The Duke announces his intention to marry Viola, and we learn that Sir Toby and Maria have tied the knot as well. Malvolio, the unfortunate butt of the humour in the play, is released, and he swears he will get revenge on everybody, a threat that no one takes very seriously.

The Music

Music, it seems, is an essential part of the festive atmosphere of this comedy, for there are more songs in Twelfth Night than in any other Shakespeare play. Most of the songs are sung by the Clown, Feste, and they underline the lighthearted approach to life embraced elsewhere in the play. Feste’s “O Mistress Mine,” for example, tells the beloved to “Trip no further, pretty sweeting,” since “Journeys end in lovers meeting.”

The ditties Feste sings with his fellow revelers Sir Toby and Sir Andrew—“Hold Thy Peace” and “Farewell Dear Heart”—were well-known songs in Shakespeare’s day. The lyrics to most of the other songs, though (including “O Mistress Mine”), were written by Shakespeare but set to popular tunes.

An interesting case is “Come Away, Death,” the song Feste sings for the Duke in Act II, Scene iv. Unlike most of Feste’s offerings, this one is a mournful (and beautiful) lament by a rejected lover, who asks Death to carry him away to his grave. For a long while the tune for this song was unknown, but Ross Duffin, in his Shakespeare’s Songbook (2004) argues convincingly that the tune Shakespeare had in mind was a sixteenth-century ballad called “The Pangs of Love.” Duffin reinforces his case by pointing out that earlier in the same scene the Duke talks about the song to Cesario/Viola, saying “…if thou shalt love in the sweet pangs of it…”

To re-create the mood Shakespeare intended for this play as closely as possible, we have used all the original tunes for the songs included in Duffin’s book (well, with one notable extemporization by Sir Toby).

As far as the instrumental music goes, Shakespeare did not specify what music to play, but we have chosen a couple of period pieces. The opening melody, “Greensleeves,” is of course from the early sixteenth century, having been written, some say, by Henry VIII. The song performed by cello solo is “The Silver Swan” by Orlando Gibbon, a contemporary of Shakespeare. 
                            
   
Featured Friends

 
Shane Westin (Duke Orsino)
Shane hails from the Cayman Islands, though he is a true Canadian at heart, since he is originally from Nova Scotia.  His hobbies include playing most sports, especially rugby and hockey, engaging in lively debates, eating good food, and taking on any good challenge.  Needless to say, memorizing all the lines for the play has presented a challenge, so he has enjoyed it!

Marissa Henry (Curio) This quiet but fun-loving five-footer won't let her stature hinder a good game of Ultimate Frisbee.  From small-town Combermere, last year she traveled from BC to Newfoundland with NET Ministries.  A History and Latin buff, Marissa has learned from the Greeks: No matter how small you are (in numbers or stature), there's always a chance of accomplishing your goal if only you believe in yourself.

Jenna Henry (Attendant to the Duke)  Similar to her older sister Marissa in height, Jenna completely outdoes her in craziness.  Although on stage she just stands still, Jenna enjoys cameras, video-editing, movies, going nuts with her little sisters, and almost any kind of dancing.
 
Gabrielle Marie Germain Ferri (Musician) Gabe is 17 and comes from a family of 14 kids.  She enjoys music - especially playing blues on the piano - which makes her a fitting choice to be cast as a musician.  Her other hobbies include hockey, skiing, and all those other great winter sports – though summer is still her favourite season.

Sharon Milan (Musician) Sharon is currently taking Fine Art History at OLSWA.  Twelfth Night will be the first production she has a role in, acting as a musician who plays the AutoHarp (Chromoharp).  In Sharon's spare time she likes to step-dance, sing, and play her bass guitar.  She is currently attending MVDHS and is in Gr. 10.

Mr. Joseph Stuart (Lord) Mr. Joseph Stuart is a rather Strange and Unusual man, who enjoys reading Winnie the Pooh and dining on Second Breakfast, but who can’t Extract himself out of Books on culture and history.  He Relishes conversing with students on Sundry topics, Rambling in the woods, and Vying around the card table.

Mr. Michael Schintgen (Lord) Michael Schintgen is our resident philosopher.  The 'form' of fun for this eccentric academic is debating the finer points of Metaphysics (over a pint of Coors, of course).  Other kinds of fun merely participate in this form, but include: camping out on glaciers; eating peanut-butter sandwiches while listening to Ambrosian chant; and basking in his role as King of Canada.

Julia Frie (Valentine) Julia grew up in the Okanagen Valley, British Columbia.  She now attends Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy as a first-year student and is glad to have her first cousin, Theresa Ulmer (Olivia), attending there also.  Her chief interests include Literature and Art.  Her favourite chocolate bar is the Cadbury Crunchie.

Rebekah Ryan (Viola) Rebekah Ryan is from New Brunswick and is in her 3rd year at OLSWA.  Some of her favourite fun things to do are: play tennis, figure skate, knit & crochet, dance, snowboard, sing, cook & bake, and, of course, act. Beka hopes you enjoy the show!

Angela Hardy (Sea-Captain) Angela is an East Coast gal, back for a second year of studies at the Academy.  Yes, folks, she just couldn’t get enough!  Procrastination is her middle name, and last minute essays are her game.  She loves to listen to – and make – music and is currently battling an addiction to Strong Bad cartoons.

Jacob Schmiedicke (Sailor/Sound and Light)  The fun began in this production when Jacob Schmiedicke signed up to be Sound and Light Technician.  Because of his experience in film-making, he proved to be a helpful addition.  This black-clad Michigander’s resemblance to Neo from The Matrix might startle the locals, but his disarming charm, and pellet gun, are sure-fire ways to impress everyone.

Laura VanderHulst (Sailor) Laura VanderHulst enjoys her relaxed role as the Pirate Who Doesn’t Do Anything.  Not having lines or the need to attend most rehearsals has freed up her time to organize her anarchic makeup collection, drink a plethora of coffee, and alternate the remaining time between plotting to take over the world and napping.  

Aaron Cripps (Sir Toby Belch) Aaron Cripps’ role as a drunkard was no stretch for him…just joking.  In fact, his whiskey imbibement is for the sole purpose of cleaning his bagpipes, which he plays to his classmates’ delight…not to mention the bass and electric guitar.  'Cripps' is proud of his German-speaking abilities and East Coast upbringing.

Christy Bulman (Maria) Christy hails from Claresholm, Alberta where she grew up with four siblings on a cattle ranch in the typical ‘out west’ fashion. She began practicing her dramatic skills at a young age on anyone who would listen to her rants and escapades. 'Teeny Bulman' enjoys road trips, playing cards (especially poker), and fitting in adventures whenever possible.

Joseph Platt (Sir Andrew Aguecheek)
The following facts about Joseph Platt are entirely credible, though possibly subject to slight exaggeration.
-Born on the planet of Krypton…or maybe in the town of Aurora, Ont.
-Came to earth in 1997…well, he might have just moved from Aurora to the Ottawa Valley.
-'Superman incardinate'…or is it 'Academy freshman?'

Patrick Giguère (Feste) Patrick Giguère comes from Cornwall, Ontario, and is currently in his first year at OLSWA.  The quality of the staff and students alike and the great cooking has easily convinced him that there should be a second (year that is).  He enjoys playing guitar, hanging out and, usually because of sleep deprivation, laughing contagiously/hysterically.

Theresa Ulmer (Lady Olivia) The role of Olivia begins shut away in mourning, but Theresa herself has lived on a boat with her family for nine years and has sailed across the Pacific to New Zealand.  While Olivia enjoys the attentions of nearly every single male gentleman in this play, Theresa prefers hiking, climbing stuff, singing, reading and acting to such amusement.

Mr. Rob Koechl (Malvolio) Who is this elusive Rob 'Cakeman,' that the Academy students look upon with awe, and hence call him 'mister?'  Well, he is much more than the Dean of Student Life.  He’s also a talented musician, Strong Bad-quoter extraordinaire and benevolent distributor of warnings.  He’s by far the most 'coolent' person you’ll ever meet. “Strew.”

Angela Reilander (Female Attendant) Because she only has one line and a minimal role in Twelfth Night, Angela is enjoying the chance of taking part in a Shakespeare play without the stresses of long rehearsals and memorizing countless lines.  She’s looking forward to enjoying the play from her background view on stage.

Loretta Marrocco (Attendant to Olivia) Loretta has lived in Peterborough Ontario – a whole two hours away –her entire life.  She loves to skate, and is a great hockey player, who is even willing to brave the boys.  Loretta is also a lifeguard, and is happy to save anyone’s life if needed.

Greg Aitken (Antonio) Greg grew up on a rural Ontario beef farm.  Through 4-H, he participated in several drama productions, with roles such as a blind camp inspector, a lazy office worker, a cheesy romantic cowboy, and a mentally-unbalanced art-loving murderer.  Playing a sea captain is quite a step up, for a sword is far more impressive than an artist's palette knife.  

Elana Mazzarolo (Sebastian) This energetic 18-year-old's zeal for playing sports, combined with her being somewhat accident-prone, makes for interesting sports events.  Elana also loves music, friends, being random, and (like her stage character Sebastian), she jumps at any opportunity for parties and adventure.  (That is, when she's not studying, of course!)

Meaghan Darwent (Fabian) Meaghan finds laughing fun. It makes her feel good, and at the same time it strengthens the immune system and the abs. She also enjoys listening to other people’s laughter, especially if they have very unique laughs.  The only time she does not enjoy laughing is when she is being forced to do so (i.e., when someone is tickling her).  

Diane April (Speaking Officer) Diane April is a part-time student whose role as Officer makes an interesting contrast to her occasional anti-authoritarian viewpoints.  In all seriousness, though, this petite piercéd poetess is the model Academy student who specializes in educating her classmates in recreating.  If Diane doesn’t pursue a career as a starving writer, she’ll likely follow Evanescence across Europe.

Margaret Beresford (Officer) Margaret is a fun-loving first-year student who hails from Peterborough, where she has grown up with her six brothers and sisters.  Margaret loves swimming, playing the violin and getting lost in a good book.  She is frequently found dancing up a storm at Academy parties…or any party for that matter.

Susan Smith (Officer) Susan is perhaps the most energetic first-year at the Academy.  She loves laughing, as the rest of the students know very well.  After classes she can be found chilling with her gal pals at Generations and getting her socks rocked off.  Beware of giving her lettuce though; it’s too crisp and green!
 
Kenneth Walker (Priest) Kenneth Walker has thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the play this year, and feels privileged to witness Shakespeare’s humour first-hand.  Besides acting, Kenneth is also known for putting his last name to shame by his fleetness of foot, and for arguing fine points of theology with his classmates - making him a good choice to be cast as the priest.

Veronica Sebanc (Female Attendant) Veronica is a second-year student at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom who enjoys her studies almost as much as 'chilling' with her classmates.  She hopes the audience has a 'beautiful' time watching the show and that her 'beloved' fellow students enjoy putting it on.  In closing, “I love you guys.”

Dr. Marlin (Director) Christine Marlin teaches literature at the Academy.  For fun she has been known to ride in a shopping cart through the aisles of a grocery store; send students on a treasure hunt with nearly impossible clues; run into the water with her clothes on; and listen to Palestrina, Poulenc, and the Police all within the same hour.

Carol Reaume (Stage Manager) Returning for the second year in a row, Carol is taking on the fun-filled, yet momentous, task of stage manager.  However, she has been anticipating this opportunity to develop her artistic abilities both on - as Mephistophilis and Elena - and now off the stage.  Carol hails from Tilbury, Ontario and a family of 9 children.  She enjoys art in many forms: visual, musical and theatrical, and to her, swimming and horses are the best fun one can have.  

Pamela Compeau (Costume Director) Pamela has yet again wowed everyone with her sewing prowess.  Our talented Costume Designer showed how great and good she is by coordinating 42 costumes while still finding time to watch Pride and Prejudice with the Edith Stein Residence girls, who affectionately turned the acronym 'R.A.' into 'Really Awesometastic.'
 
Maggie Cunningham (Assistant Costume Director) Maggie Cunningham takes pleasure in helping other people whenever she has the chance.  Some of her hobbies include hanging out at Generations, dancing, and running up large long distance bills on her cell phone. Be careful though, don’t initiate an argument with her – you won’t win.  

Theresa Merrick (Assistant Stage Manager/Stage Hand) Theresa Merrick’s musical education (she has her Gr. 10 piano) has really given her an appreciation for art, including drama.  What does she like to do for fun?  What doesn’t she like to do?!  Theresa loves to toboggan (in the dark), chat with friends, and laugh.

Jenna Gannon (Sound/Light)
What can one say about Jenna, a person who plays such a vital role in the play as watching Jake do Sound and Lights? Jenna is one who loves to
'propose' much fun to others.  This East Coast girl enjoyed being involved in this play almost as much as her second-year Academy studies.

Dan Millette  (Stage Hand/Set Construction) Hello. I like long walks on the beach and getting caught in the rain and…  Actually I like God, Canada, and hockey, but not always in that order.  I’m 21, from Saskatchewan, and I call a 'hoodie' a 'bunnyhug.'
Cheers.

Cody Robinson (Stage Hand/Set Construction) Cody Robinson is from Combermere, where he has many chances to enjoy hockey, snowmobiling, snowboarding, and working on cars (when he’s not occupied with school, that is).  His role in the play was vital in that he built several of the larger props. Cody would like to thank St. Joseph for his help in the endeavour.
 

Thank you

To Fr. John Burchat and St. Hedwig's Parish for the use of the hall, and for their prayers.
 To Madonna House, St. Joseph's House, and St. Mary's for help with
costumes and props.
 To Andrew, Tim, and Jen Baklinski for help with set design and technical advice.
To Ted Ferrant for assistance with lighting.
To Ted Baklinski for printing.
To Krista Johnston and the staff at Barry's Bay This Week for covering the play.
To the many generous volunteers who baked treats for intermission.
And, of course, to our heavenly intercessors:
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, St. John Bosco, St. Philip Neri, and St. Genesius