*Twelfth Night* Tour FAQ!

 

FSC Summer Tour 2021

Twelfth Night

Got questions? We have answers.

 

 

What Is Your Inclement Weather Policy?

It is our desire to complete every performance, and we will make every effort to start, continue, and finish each show despite light rainfall or breezy conditions.

 

In the event of heavier rains or winds, however, we may delay the start of the show, or the completion of the show, in the hope that the weather will clear. Announcements will be made informing audience members of "holds." We may also pause to take precautions to ensure the safety and health of the performers and crew.

 

If severe storms are likely or imminent, shows may be moved to an indoor location or, if necessary, cancelled. To find out if a show has been moved or cancelled prior to showtime, please check our website and Facebook or Instagram accounts; you can also call our Information Line at 402-319-2895. www.flatwatershakespearecompany.org.

 

Do I Need a Reservation?

 

No reservations are needed. However, audience members are strongly encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before the performance to ensure a good place. This is particularly true if you plan on using a blanket, as space is limited. You should also come early for our pre-show activities, for The Waffleman's waffles at Cooper Park on Friday night and for wine (for those of age) at James Arthur Vineyards on Sunday. 

 

Is There a Cost to Attend?

 

No! Flatwater Shakespeare Company offers the summer touring production FREE of charge. A $10 donation is suggested, but everyone is welcome whether you can make a contribution or not. For some alternate locations due to weather, there will be parking costs.

 

How Long is the Show?

The show runs 75 minutes, with no intermission. All performances begin at 7:00 p.m.

 

Is the Show “Family Friendly?”

Yes! Our summer production is family friendly as the informal park setting is perfect for children as well as adults to have a taste of the Bard’s wonderful characters, exciting action, and brilliant language. Past audiences have included everyone from babies to people in their 80s, people from all walks of life, and even some pets.

 

You Mean Pets Are Sometimes Allowed?

Furry family members are welcome to attend any of the park performances with you! We request that pets be kept on a leash. Owners must clean up after their pets.

 

What Are the Remaining Locations and Alternate Sites?

 

Thursday, June 24 -- Rain site: Hilton Garden Inn, 801 R Street, Lincoln (Haymarket District). Chairs provided.

 

Friday, June 25 – Cooper Park, 8^th and D Streets. Rain site TBD.

 

Saturday, June 26 – Havelock Park, 63^rd and Ballard. Rain site TBD.

 

Sunday, June 27 – James Arthur Vineyards, 2001 W. Raymond Rd., Raymond. Rain site: Same Location.

 

 

*Twelfth Night* and Its Questions

The love quadrangle of Twelfth Night includes Viola (Molly Davis), Sebastian (Scott Shomaker), Lady Olivia (Emily Martinez), and Duke Orsino (Tim Andersen). Photo Credit: Michael Reinmiller.

SO MANY QUESTIONS . . . 

Hamlet has been aptly described as a "question-generating machine" -- brilliantly raising more questions and uncertainties as it goes and even as a production or a reader tries to resolve them.

Of course, it would be strange if that happened in no other play by Shakespeare. It is better to think of all his plays as Q&A sessions, including Twelfth Night. Here are just two for the play subtitled What You Will (which could be another question).

First, how much is too much? That is, how much festivity and foolery go past healthy or useful bounds (think of Sir Toby and Feste)? How much self-love (think of Orsino, as well as Malvolio)? How much devotion (think of Viola and Antonio -- and Malvolio, too)? How much grief (think of Olivia and Viola and Sebastian)?

Also, what is the best expression of love to be found in the play? (Or: which relationship appears to be the most loving?)

Every good production addresses such questions. Some try to offer clear answers, which are of course open for reflection and discussion. Others try to make the questions as challenging or unsettling as possible. Let us know what you think our approach has been with the play. 

Flatwater Shakespeare Company's Twelfth Night opens in exactly one week, on Thursday, June 17 -- and opening night is already sold out! Tickets for the remaining three shows in The Stables at Wyuka are available here:

https://flatwatershakespearecompany.org/tickets-merchandise.html

After that, we are on the road for closing weekend. More on that soon! 

FSC's *Twelfth Night* at Wyuka and On Tour

 

Flatwater Shakespeare Company celebrates twenty years of productions with Twelfth Night, the play that started it all for the ensemble in Wyuka Cemetery back in 2001.  Kathryn Cover directs this brisk, seventy-five minute version that is ideal for all ages. Paid performances in The Stables at Wyuka, 3600 “O” Street, are Thursday through Sunday, June 17-20. Flatwater FREE Shakespeare performances will tour Lincoln area parks the following week and finish at James Arthur Vineyards in Raymond. Show time is 7 p.m. for all performances.

After a shipwreck, Viola is separated from her twin, Sebastian, and finds herself alone in Illyria, not knowing whether her brother is dead or alive. For self-protection, she dresses as a boy and becomes an attendant at the court of Duke Orsino, with whom she quickly falls in love. Orsino, however, is in love with the Countess Olivia and sends Viola – in her disguise as Cesario – to court her for him. Olivia, who had been mourning for her own brother’s death, falls for “Cesario” instead. Malvolio, steward of Olivia’s estate, is also in love with Olivia. Maria, Olivia’s lady-in-waiting, teams up with Olivia’s uncle, Sir Toby Belch, and with another suitor for Olivia’s hand, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, in a plot to trick Malvolio into thinking that Olivia already returns his as-yet-unspoken love. Sebastian arrives on the scene, attended by Antonio, a mariner who saved him from the shipwreck. Sebastian’s presence leads to one case of mistaken identity after another. All this confusion is overseen by Feste, a wise and witty jester.

Molly Davis and Tim Andersen make their Flatwater Shakespeare debuts in the roles of Viola and Orsino. FSC veterans in the cast include Emily Funkey as Maria, Keith Ghormley as Sir Toby, Katie Hoppe as Sir Andrew, Emily Martinez as Olivia, Paul Shaw as Malvolio, Scott Shomaker as Sebastian, and Reed Westerhoff as Antonio. Other FSC newcomers include Laura Lippman as Feste, Holden Meier as Valentine, and Sam Pynes as Fabian. Fred Vogel appears as a Troubadour accompanying Feste and performing original music.

Kathryn Cover is Costumer, Set Designer, and Prop Master, as well as Director. Michelle Zinke is Stage Manager and Amelia-Marie Altstadt is Assistant Stage Manager. Stephen Buhler is Dramaturg and Text Editor.

Seating (chairs provided) will be limited in The Stables at Wyuka. Adult admission is $18 and children under 12 (accompanied by an adult) admission is $5. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets for the Flatwater FREE Shakespeare performances at city parks and at James Arthur Vineyards.

Flatwater FREE Shakespeare in the parks is made possible through support from Union Bank & Trust, Ameritas, and the Lincoln Arts Council.

June 17-20: The Stables at Wyuka, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln.

June 23: Trago Park, 22^nd and U Streets

June 24: Henry Park, 44^th Street and Prescott Avenue

June 25: Cooper Park, 8^th and D Streets

June 26: Havelock Park, 63^rd Street and Ballard Avenue

June 27: James Arthur Vineyards, 2001 W. Raymond Rd., Raymond, NE

Visit flatwatershakespearecompany.org for details and tickets.