Twelfth Night Review
Written by Fran Sikorski

A most satisfying production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night by professional performers in the Summer Theatre of New Canaan has ended, and if the schedule had permitted, it could have played all summer to capacity audiences, many of whom picnicked before the performance.  Artistic director of the theater now in its fifth year is Melanie Libonati, and Ed Libonati is executive producer. Enhancing the space at Irwin Park this year was an open air tent canopy with reserved seating. A scenic view of the beautiful estate was the backdrop for the actors presenting Shakespeare’s great romantic comedy set on a remote tropical island resort in the 1920s. This staging offered many opportunities for innovative direction by Allegra Libonati.
Also enjoyed in the open air tent by parents and children was Shakespeare for Kids, the professional cast in an abridged 55-minute version of Twelfth Night with plenty of actor/audience interaction.

Another highlight of the summer season was the world premiere of Six Impossible Things co-produced with Chicago’s Filament Theatre Ensemble, a company devoted to intelligent, creative entertainment for young audiences. The last production of The Summer Theatre of New Canaan, opening this week at The Rich Forum in Stamford is Meredith Willson’s Music Man, July 17 to 27, with a cast of 50 and a professional orchestra. Featured in The Music Man are Richard Whitely of Greenwich as Harold Hill; and Allison Grey of New Canaan as Marian. The summer theater is under an Equity-LORT contract.  For tickets, call 203-966-4634