Shakespeare’s own, “The Twelfth Night,” or “What You Will,” may be one of his lesser-known plays, but definitely is one that impressed when Metro theater students brought it to life March 4. The Metro State Studio Theatre was alive and booming with sonnets and Elizabethan dress.

“The Twelfth Night” takes place in Illyria, a part of the Balkan Peninsula, in what is today Albania. Although there are elements in the play of Shakespeare’s London, it is also believed he pulled some of his setting ideas from a place called Ragusa. Ragusa was known for its wine, sense of order and naval fleet, and is believed to be in present day Albania.

"Malvolio and the Countess," 1859. By Daniel Maclise, engraved by R. Staines

In the play, Viola, played by Mallory Vining, has been shipwrecked in a violent storm off the coast of Illyria; in the process she has lost her twin brother, Sebastian. She disguises herself as a boy and assumes the name Cesario for protection. Once disguised, Viola becomes a page in the service of Orsino, the duke (Paul Jimenez).

It seems Orsino is having little luck courting Olivia (Alicia Gates), who is in mourning for the death of her father and brother and thus, decided to veil herself for seven years. As Orsino’s stand-in, Viola is sent to Olivia with love letters.

Viola refuses to budge until she is let in to see Olivia; Olivia, intrigued by the impudent young “boy,” contrives to get “Cesario” to return by sending her steward, Malvolio, after her with one of Olivia’s rings. Viola realizes to her with shock, but also humor, that Olivia has fallen for her Cesario rather than Duke Orsino — further complicated by the fact that Viola has had stirrings herself for Orsino.

When one thinks of Shakespeare, “comedy” may not be one of the first words that come to mind. In actuality, “Twelfth Night,” was not the only Elizabethan comedy, but has been seen as the last “happy comedy” made by Shakespeare.

“Twelfth Night” captures two of the themes Shakespeare is known best for: love and conflict. He also adds in the perfect mix of dispute among social classes and gender issues.

The director, Jay Louden, changed two of the characters — Curio to Curia and Fabio to Fabia — in order to allow more females to take part in the production. This change fit perfectly into Shakespeare’s idea of gender conflict.

The play impressed me. The production was so professionally done and well-acted, even Shakespeare himself would have been proud of this rendition.

Each role was perfectly casted, each outfit looked authentic and perfect for its time period. The setting was simple, but utilized to the fullest.  Not to mention, the audience was enthralled from scene one to close.

The audience varied from young the boy to elderly and of all ethnicities, yet everyone was paying close attention and also laughing throughout the play.

Who knew Shakespeare had such a funny side, especially with the character of drunken Sir Toby Belch, Olivia’s uncle (Thomas Gerlick).

Valentine  (Scott Jamieson), otherwise known as the court jester, having to sing, also played an impressing role. Not many men had this job in Elizabethan England. “The fool was a jester, one that made comments about society, the court and even criticizing the lord and master. He poked fun at clergy, Parliament and social life; not many subjects were safe from the fools lips,” according to the study guide of the play made by Elizabeth Mauchly and Louden.

Valentine’s character gets divulged later in the play, when you begin to realize he’s not just a “fool,” but a pertinent part to the court, swaying people’s decisions, tricking them and using his entertainment to keep himself healthy with a purse full of coins. Inevitably, he sees all, knows all and hears all.

Metro’s production of  “The Twelfth Night” is full of talented young actors and was definitely worth seeing (not to mention, free to Metro students).  With Shakespeare’s typically tragic and melancholy plays, this one was a nice, refreshing change that ended with a “happily ever after,” and had me leaving satisfied.

Upcoming shows:

7:30 p.m. March 11 — 13

2:30 p.m. March 14 at the Metro State Studio Theatre.