Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks keeps summer going with tropical 'Twelfth Night'

“If music be the food of love, play on,” says Orsino in a famous line from Shakespeare’s comedy “Twelfth Night.” In Shakespeare in the Parks’ production of the play, they took him literally.

Celebrating their 20th season, Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks kicked off the month-long run of the play in several parks around Pittsburgh. Opening weekend was held in Highland Park, with Saturday’s show tragically called just after intermission on account of thunder. But Sunday afternoon’s show was complete thanks to beautiful weather that greeted spectators as they gathered on blankets and lawn chairs around the “stage” for a real treat.

“Twelfth Night” is one of Shakespeare’s comedies, in the truest sense — it’s uproariously funny. It opens with Viola, a young woman who has been shipwrecked on the island of Illyria, who disguises herself as a man and ends up stuck in a love triangle with Orsino and Olivia. That is, until her twin brother, Sebastian, who she feared lost at sea, shows up to complicate matters further. Not to be forgotten, there’s also Olivia’s party animal uncle, Sir Toby, who involves his fellow revelers in a plot to embarrass Olivia’s imperious servant, Malvolio.

Don’t worry — the Bard has a lot of downer endings, but there’s nothing but smooth sailing at the close of this one.

While the play stuck to Shakespeare’s immortal words, Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks tried something that was as refreshing as a strawberry daiquiri on a balmy beach. Considering the setting of “Twelfth Night,” why not bring in some Hawaiian shirts, Jimmy Buffett songs and plastic flamingos for a more tropical vibe?

Upon settling into the space around the stage, viewers were offered leis to wear while they watched. Many were also warned that they were in the “splash zone” as kiddie pools and water balloons were featured. And what better weapon in a fight for honor than a pool noodle?

Another interesting choice — considering how inherent gender-bending is to the plot of this play — was the gender-blind casting employed. For example, Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks founding artistic director Jennifer Tober is positively hilarious in the role of Andrew Aguecheek. Malvolio is played by Joanna Getting with ridiculous pomposity that had the audience roaring with laughter. And the very charming Alexandra Hellinger played Sebastian, Viola’s long-lost twin.

There was a wealth of talent on display at this weekend’s performances. Catherine Baird is daring and witty as Viola. Harper York is positively commanding as the melancholy Olivia, which makes her romantic moments even more intriguing. Aaron Crutchfield had a great time with Orsino, bringing a sometimes forgotten character to new heights. Colin Villacorte’s Feste is a perfect fool, serving up just as much entertainment as his role requires. And the standout, Bob Colbert, takes the riotous, brash Sir Toby to a whole new level.

Director Nick Hrutkay, along with the entire creative team, were so detail-oriented for a show that is performed in a highly unpredictable environment. Their ingenuity deserves a lot of credit for the success of this show. Matt Calvetti’s music direction included a practically surround-sound experience of live music, punctuating scenes with songs like Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville,” Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” and an especially lovely duet of Bobby Darin’s “Beyond The Sea” between Viola and Sebastian.

So many of the technical choices felt natural and fun. Properties and scenic designer Samantha Kuchta used beach balls, towels, and a variety of inflatable pool floats to create the portable-but-detailed setting. Costumes by Ricky Lyle looked like perfectly-chosen beachwear, with cutoff shorts, sunhats and bathing suit tops that made the actors look comfortable and thematic. And choreographer Shana Simmons must have had so much fun envisioning the skipping, carousing and joyful dancing that these actors get to do.

“Twelfth Night” is a great first-time Shakespeare play for those who may be befuddled by The Bard. It’s accessible and full of moments of slapstick and romance. Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks dressing it up with color and music just makes it that much more of a party. Some audience members even get pulled in to take part in some of the dancing.

With free admission in several of the city’s beautiful parks, it’s a great way to spend a few hours basking in good weather as summer wanes.

“Twelfth Night” by Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks will have Saturday and Sunday performances in Highland Park, Westinghouse Park and Frick Park throughout September and a Friday night performance on Sept. 13 at Schenley Plaza. For all dates and locations, visit pittsburghshakespeare.org.