Actors Alive Brings Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night to Life at Centralia Cultural Society
This week, Actors Alive, an adult theatre training program based in Centralia, is set to perform William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy Twelfth Night at the Centralia Cultural Society. This marks the group’s second Shakespeare production at the venue, following their ongoing mission to make classic theatre approachable for local audiences.
Actors Alive consists of local performers who meet regularly to study and refine their craft. The production is directed by Viki Oliver Loomis, a longtime Shakespeare enthusiast who believes the Bard’s humor and storytelling are far more accessible than many people expect. “They get here and go, ‘I didn’t know Shakespeare was funny. I even understood all of that,’” Loomis shared. “I think it’s important that people know this isn’t stuffy. This isn’t the Shakespeare that people read in high school.”
For those unfamiliar with the story, Twelfth Night centers on Viola and Sebastian, a pair of twins separated by a shipwreck. Viola, believing her brother lost, disguises herself as a man named Cesario and becomes a page for Count Orsino, who is hopelessly in love with Lady Olivia. The twist comes when Olivia falls in love with Cesario, not realizing “he” is actually Viola in disguise. What follows is a hilarious web of mistaken identities, romantic confusion, and witty wordplay that has made Twelfth Night one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies.
This particular production adds a creative twist to the presentation. Instead of a traditional stage setup, Twelfth Night will be performed on the theater floor, with limited seating arranged around the actors, creating an intimate and interactive environment. The unique setup is designed to pull audiences closer into the story, making them feel like part of the action.
Kara Bahr, who plays Lady Olivia, says the chemistry among the cast has been one of the production’s greatest strengths. “The group itself stands out,” Bahr explained. “I feel like our cast has a tight-knit feel to it, and we’re very supportive of each other. That’s really important.”
Levi Malan, who takes on the role of Sir Toby Belch, not only acts but also contributes to the show’s sound design, particularly for the dramatic storm sequence in the first act. He promises a fun, unpredictable experience. “I really want people to be ready for everything,” Malan said. “I hope that we get a lot of interaction with the audience going. That’s definitely going to be fun for everyone, because not only are they watching a play, they’re also in a way getting to be a part of it.”
The performances will be held at the Centralia Cultural Society, located at 1250 E. Rexford Drive, Centralia, Illinois. Showtimes are set for November 8 at 2:00 p.m. and November 8, 14, and 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Centralia Cultural Society’s official website or by calling (618) 532-2951. If seats remain available, tickets may also be purchased at the door before each performance.
For anyone curious about Shakespeare but unsure where to start, this lively local production promises an evening of laughter, clever dialogue, and engaging performances. With its close-knit cast, immersive setup, and energetic direction, Actors Alive’s Twelfth Night is shaping up to be a memorable addition to Centralia’s vibrant arts scene.
