As the lights dimmed on the small, seemingly cramped stage in the back of a church in North Hollywood, a lone actor takes the stage and welcomes the audience to the production of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

Just then, two young women run out onto the stage wielding a long blue fabric that is to simulate the ocean as a stage full of characters ride the wild sea on a doomed ship headed for the coast of Illyria. In comedic fashion, the ship sinks, and a pair of twins, one brother and one sister, swim ashore to start the absurd and hysterical plot of the play.

            The story, which centers around the twins, also involves the countess Olivia, who is being pursued by Sir Andrew, the idiot best friend of her uncle, Sir Toby, the local drunk. The two men, with the help of Olivia’s maid, Maria, and the local jester Feste, also trick Olivia’s pompous butler, Malvolio, into thinking Olivia is in love with him, only to cause him to go crazy for her and get locked up in jail for his trouble. In addition, the twins get into trouble when the girl, Viola, dresses up as a boy to get close to the rich Duke Orsino, who vies for Olivia. Olivia, of course wants Viola, but ends up going after Viola’s twin brother, Sebastian.

            Sound confusing? It absolutely is. But nonetheless, it’s hilarious, and when you see it live, very well put together. The direction of the play, by first time director Joanna McGee, is outstanding, showing just how much one can do with a small stage. The cast, consisting of eleven actors and actresses, cover multiple roles while moving around the set in between scenes to reveal new locations with large banners that are hoisted up from under the stage.

            What also adds to the play is the use of music, performed live by a lone pianist helps set the mood and keep the play flowing while the actors move on and off stage.

            Performers to take note of are Jon Mullich as Malvolio, who steals nearly every scene with his bumbling, love sick butler, and the trio of Feste, Sir Andrew and Sir Toby played by Daniel J. Roberts, James Calvert and Gary Lamb, respectively, are the comedic glue of the play adding a backbone with every nuance of their comedy.

            This play is definitely worth checking out, and is well worth the price of admission, even if you have to drive to get there. Performances run through September 28, every weekend, and admission is $10. The venue is the Crown City Theater at 11031 Camrillo St. in North Hollywood.

 Ted Goslin is an accomplished reviewer having covered play, film, cd and concerts for over seven years on various publications both in print and online. He is also a graduate from Cal State Long Beach University with a Bachelor's degree in Print Journalism.