What a difference a few days makes. Tonight’s performance (June 22) of “Twelfth Night” at Shakespeare in Delaware Park promises to be a steamy affair, with temperatures around 80 degrees and 75 percent humidity. It was a little different when The Buffalo Hive’s Lindsay DePietro witnessed opening night on Thursday. 

By Lindsay DePietro
(Photos by Lindsay DePietro)

A full crowd gathered Thursday night (June 19) for the first performance of Shakespeare in Delaware Park’s 50th anniversary season.

It’s a scene that happily repeats itself throughout the summer, every summer. On this night, despite the gloomy weather, the crowd still  showed up and gathered around the stage with their folding chairs and blankets. Many were wearing their rain jackets, from pink to blue, prepared for the rain. 

But besides a few stray droplets and some gusts of wind, the rain never came and the bad weather held off so all could witness a spectacular performance of “Twelfth Night.”

Those in the crowd could be seen snacking or full-on picnicking while enjoying the performance. Some audience goers even showed up with their furry friends from home.

Labeled as a romantic comedy, this performance of “Twelfth Night” proved to be just that. 

Audience members could be heard laughing and giggling throughout the night at the drunken antics and scheming of Countess Olivia’s uncle, Sir Toby, and his drinking buddy, Sir Andrew, along with Maria, the lady-in-waiting, and the other house members who join in on the fun.

As the night went on, the love triangle between Olivia, Viola (disguised as “Cesario”) and Orsino unfolded, while the suspense of twins Viola and Sebastian reuniting grew.

Actor Chris Hatch, who plays Orsino, spoke to the crowd during intermission. He thanked the audience for “braving this weather” and, following tradition, asked for donations. Shakespeare in Delaware Park is a nonprofit and a large chunk of its funding comes from audience contributions.  

“Here you’re supporting local artists, and you’re supporting a Buffalo institution. So, no donation is too small, but no donation is too big either,” Hatch said.

When his speech came to an end, all performers jumped off the stage and made their way through the crowd, interacting with audience members. Performers carried cloth pouches to collect generous donations from attendees and –  in a nod to modernity at a 400-year-old play – wore lanyards around their necks which held a QR code for individuals to scan and donate through Venmo.

Hatch also informed the crowd that they will be raffling off the handmade necklace and earring set worn by Olivia, played by actor Rebecca Elkin in the production. The jewelry set was made by local jewelry artist Lisa Thunderbird.

If you are looking to win “Olivia’s opulence,” the raffle will take place at the final show of “Twelfth Night” on July 13 during intermission.

While many were donating during the intermission, others were lining up at the merchandise stand to get their share of this year’s memorabilia, especially from the 50th anniversary collection. This includes this year’s Shakespeare in Delaware Park stuffed animal mascot, “Shakesboar.”

Toward the end of the play, spectators were captivated by the long awaited and heartfelt reunion between Viola, disguised as “Cesario,” and her twin brother, Sebastion. The siblings ran to each other on stage in disbelief and awe, entering an emotion-packed embrace.

In the perfect happy ending for a Shakespearean comedy, the play came to a close with Orsino realizing Viola is in fact the woman he loves after all, not Olivia. All the while Sebastian and Olivia remain happily married despite the mix-up of identities between Sebastian and “Cesario.” 

Both couples sealed their love with a final kiss on stage. The crowd burst into applause once more for Feste, the jester, and his closing song.  

The night ended with all performers returning to the stage at once, dancing around together to an upbeat song. The actors took turns bowing together in small groups and then made their final exit for the night. 

If you would like to join in on the fun and witness this lively performance, stop by Shakespeare Hill in Delaware Park. Shakespeare in Delaware park will be performing “Twelfth Night” every Tuesday through Sunday at 7 p.m. until July 13.