Barrington Local Takes the Stage in CT Rep's "Twelfth Night"

STORRS. Jeff DeSisto, a Barrington resident, appears in Connecticut Repertory Theatre’s production of Twelfth Night. This is the second production of CRT’s mainstage season. Performances take place in the Nafe Katter Theatre at the UConn Storrs campus, and run from December 3rd through December 13th. For tickets and information, please visit crt.uconn.edu or call (860) 486 2113.

After being shipwrecked at sea and losing her twin brother, Viola washes up on the shores of Ilyria. She disguises herself as a young page named Cesario and goes to work for the handsome nobleman, Duke Orsino, who is madly in love with the Lady Olivia. When “Cesario” is sent to deliver a message of Orsino’s love to Olivia, the Lady falls in love with Viola, disguised as a young man. Trapped in a seemingly inescapable love triangle, the three pursue their interests in a hysterical comedy of mistaken identity, set against the backdrop of the upcoming holiday season.

DeSisto takes on the role of Sebastian, Viola’s twin brother. He is no stranger to Shakespeare on the CRT stage, having previously appeared as Francis Flute in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Other credits include: The Guard in Bertolt Brecht’s Antigone, Chris in Becky’s New Car, Soldignac in Le Dindon or The Dupe, Lou Max in Seven Keys to Baldpate and Captain La Hire in Saint Joan. DeSisto received his BA in Theatre Arts and English from Providence College in 2013. He is currently an MFA acting candidate at the University of Connecticut. As such, he receives conservatory style training in acting, speech, movement, and voice. These classes help prepare the MFA students for the work expected of them while performing in CRT productions. Of the challenges faced so far in Twelfth Night, DeSisto says, “Our main focus for this production of Twelfth Night has been the language. How can we make this 400 hundred year old writing intelligible and interesting for 21st century audiences? This has been a complete ensemble effort of movement exercises, detailed ​​table work, and lively discussions. The entire cast is deeply involved in every scene and every creative decision which lends itself to a fully unified, collaborative work that will make audiences better understand and fall in love with William Shakespeare.”

Guest director Victor Maog helms the project. Maog is the artistic director of Second Generation Productions, as well as the VP of the board of directors of the Consortium of Asian American Theatres and Artists. As the producing arm of the University of Connecticut, CRT brings in guest directors, actors and designers to work with their students. This allows for them to be exposed to working with professionals before entering the industry upon graduation.

CAST

The rest of cast includes equity actors Richard Ruiz and Andrew Guilarte, acting MFA candidates Darren Brown, Arlene Bozich, and Curtis Longfellow, BFA actors Juliana Bearse, Chester Martin, Brian Sullivan, Kevin Hilversum, Madison Coppola, Joon Ho Oh, BA Theatre studies majors Olivia Benson and Max Helfand, and puppetry MFA candidate Mark Blashford.

CREATIVE TEAM

The creative team includes: Victor Maog (Director), Brett Calvo (Scenic Designer), Justin Poruban (Lighting Design), Tuoxi Wu (Costume Designer), Abigail Golec (Sound Design), Marie Percy (Movement/Fight Choreography), David Alan Stern (Voice & Text Coach), Gregory Maine (Technical Director) and Tom Kosis* (Production Stage Manager).

INFORMATION

Performances take place in the Nafe Katter theatre on the Storrs-UConn campus. Ticket prices range from $7-$36. Please call (860) 486 2113 or visit crt.uconn.edu for a complete performance schedule, information, and to purchase tickets.