The Fullerton College Theatre Arts Department had their opening night of the play, Twelfth Night on Friday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. They continued to have showings all throughout the weekend. It was made up of five acts with a planned intermission in between Act 1 and Act 3.

The performance was a portrayal of William Shakespeare’s comedic love story between four people. It was staged with mistaken identities, singing, acrobats, ecstatic clowns, and well-versed puns that had the crowd roaring with laughter.

As attendees walked across the campus to the theater, there were clowns running amok; acting with over ecstatic joy and playfulness, ready to interact with guests and lead them into the world of the play. They eventually lead people into the theater where you arrive with either a pre-sale or a regularly priced ticket and are shown to your seat. Upon arrival, attendees were presented a pleasant view of the night sky and sea projected across the stage curtains.

As the play began, the crowd was firstly introduced to Feste, or otherwise known as the fool, played by Tony Torrico who actively interacted with the clowns as he described the setting of the play. He made for a dramatic entrance and curtains then rose to reveal a band playing heavily passionate music, makeshift waves and a potentially drowning character, enticing the viewer into a dramatic opening.

The entire setting was very powerful and expressive with its use of color and lights. The costumes were also nicely done and effective in displaying the characters.

The show was well put together with the creative addition of acrobats and dancing clowns to accompany the singing of Feste. Followed by his introduction was the rest of the cast, who were well into character and did an excellent performance. For example, Malvolio, the main antagonist was spinning with intensity and the love portrayed by the main characters was surreal.

Throughout the play, the clowns also had a chance to go towards the crowd; going in between the aisles, being more interactive and immersive with the audience as well as performing tricks with the trampoline set in front of the stage.

The set was also very creative and well put together with a turntable in the middle making it possible for quick scene changes and ample room to set up.

In the middle of the play, there was an intermission where guests had the opportunity to enjoy some food and refreshments from a food cart located at the front of the theater. Towards the end of the intermission, the clowns bounced around and performed tricks on the trampoline for the crowd before the second half of the show.

“I love Shakespeare and to have one of his stories played out so artistically this way is a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see another one of their shows,” said Doris Rubio, a communications major at Fullerton College. She also referenced Blood Wedding, another play that the theater department is hosting soon, which she also plans on attending.

As the show was nearing the end, the climax of the play was entrapping the viewers and once the resolution had been made, the crowd cheered and clapped until the performers were recognized. Overall, there were a few curtain mishaps, mostly the issue of them not closing correctly, but with the experienced actors, they played it off and made it a huge success.