FLUID, DYNAMIC CAST MAKE UP TWELFTH NIGHT

A piece of big city Shakespearean theatre nestled in rural New Hampshire... Artistic Director John Goodlin... recruited well-trained actors from across the country ... to perform in the inaugural production of the NorthEast Shakespeare Ensemble, Twelfth Night ... Goodlin's recruiting proved successful, with a fluid and dynamic cast rounding out a tireless Shakespeare classic. ... Viola (Terry Stoecker) and her Captain (Wil Robertson)... are a good match with well-timed interaction that sets the play [off] on a good note. ... [Disguised as Cesario], Stoecker shows deftness of style in her gender reversal role and keeps good pace with each actor she encounters. ... Olivia (Karen Lynn Gorney)... makes quite an entrance... [Gorney] commands the stage [with a] regal performance. ... The comedic interludes between Sir Toby Belch (Steven Biggs)... and Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Michael Littman)... prove great fun. The two make a raucous pair and play off each other extremely well. ... The tragic comedian of the play [is] Malvolio (Ron Jacoby). ... Jacoby excels as Malvolio, from the sourpuss manner to the... "mmm-hmms" he mutters after every scene. ... With a first-time experience like this one, one can only expect great things from the NorthEast Shakespeare Ensemble next year.
---Jana Marx, Eagle Times,  August 12, 2004
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WONDERFUL PRODUCTION OF TWELFTH NIGHT

I had the pleasure of attending opening night and was impressed by the professionalism of the company of Equity actors who managed to make Shakespeare totally understandable and fun! The whole family will enjoy this production with its colorful costumes, [and] energetic pace ... It is a great addition to the cultural atmosphere of the area and should be enthusiastically supported. We want them back next year!
---Hilary P. Cleveland, New London, NH; July 29, 2004, Letters: The Union Leader
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THE REGION'S NEW CULTURAL PEARL

A new pearl has been added to the long list of cultural events that we have available ... We recently attended the inaugural performance of a new Shakespeare company, NorthEast Shakespeare Ensemble. ... This zany comedy requires true performing skill, split-second timing and an inner feel for the wit of the playwright. Everything about the performance was simply superb. The actors (a blend of New York "equity" talent and locals) performed this romp with verve and gusto, producing a show that was fast-moving and most entertaining. ... The company's outstanding interpretation and delivery of the words and thoughts of the great playwright presents yet another reason to live in and be proud of this wonderful part of the world!
---Richard C. Haines, Sunapee, NH; July 31, 2004, Forum: Valley News
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IN FULL CRY

We have just had the incredible pleasure of attending Twelfth Night  performed by the NorthEast Shakespeare Ensemble. ... Here is the bard in full cry, mischievous, witty, irreverent, his every word understandable and delicious, presented by a troupe who are also mischievous, witty and irreverent. They bring unending delights to the audience, and a lively Shakespeare as he must have been enjoyed in his day. What a show! Don't miss it!
--- Ann & Bill Kellogg, Bow, NH; July 31, 2004, Letters: Concord Monitor
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