So it seems fitting that Palo Alto Players is staging an adaptation of the Bard's "Twelfth Night" set in 1920s Coney Island. The company is closing its 91st season with the comedy of mistaken identity. "Twelfth Night" offers a funhouse's worth of confusion — and several clowns, of course — in the story of twins Viola and Sebastian, who, separated after a shipwreck, find their way to romantic partners in some unusual ways before finding their way back to each other.
Viola dons the disguise of a guy and takes a post in the household of Duke Orsino, who's pining for noble lady Olivia. The disguised Viola immediately catches Olivia's fancy, but Viola has already fallen in love with Orsino. Things get really complicated when Sebastian, who looks just like the disguised Viola, turns up. Meanwhile, Olivia's pompous steward, Malvolio, schemes to move up in the world by marrying his boss.
The show is presented in partnership with Gunn High School, with a cast that includes Gunn alumni, students and faculty, including James Shelby, who recently retired after nearly 40 years of teaching and directing drama at the school. "Twelfth Night" is directed by Gunn alum Roneet Aliza Rahamim, and the production was adapted by Max Tachis.
The show is scheduled to be presented in person, with a streaming option also available.
Due to safety precautions during the recent COVID-19 surge, this weekend's opening of "Twelfth Night" has been rescheduled for June 17, with a preview June 16, and is set to run through June 26 at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. For more information and performance updates, visit paplayers.org.
PV Palooza festival highlights a dozen Portola Valley bands
The hills will be alive all day Saturday with the sounds of local music, when a new summer music festival launches in Portola Valley. The first PV Palooza, organized by the Portola Valley Cultural Arts Committee, takes place June 11, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Portola Valley Town Center. Admission is free.
PV Palooza highlights the abundance of local talent, with bands featuring musicians from Portola Valley and neighboring towns performing a wide variety of music, including bluegrass, rock, jazz, Americana and alternative. The lineup features Windy Hill, Krim Band, Bundy Browne Band, Ginger + Bandits, Indygo Rhythm Section, Pathetic Honey, Whiskey Hill Billies, The Bubbles, Up and to the Right, Salty Licks and Christopher Normann.
PV Palooza also will showcase young musicians and student ensembles, with kids' performances following each band in the main lineup.
The Portola Valley Town Center is located at 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. For more information, visit pvpalooza.com.
Read more about the festival at paloaltoonline.com/arts.
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