Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...Phillips' show, which I saw after watching a different show with a heavy, intrusive concept, also is scaled just right. Some new directors at big theaters cue up all the resources they can and squelch the humanity. But that's not true here and certainly not of Sydney Lynne's sweet setting, filled with warm pastels, rich vistas and the kind of simplicity I've rarely seen at this theater. Add in Christine Pascual's ebullient costumes and Xavier Pierce's lighting and you have a lovely little affair that somehow seemed to shrink down the size of the Courtyard Theatre and focus the audience, even when the projectionist Mike Tutaj made it rain."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Set in the sunny Caribbean, Chicago Shakespeare Theater's current iteration of "Twelfth Night" is breezy and bouncy, like a reggae beat paired with a rum drink. Directed by Tyrone Phillips, a first-generation Jamaican American, the production is informed by authenticity and infused with the sincerity of nostalgia, allowing viewers to ease into this silly tale like a well-worn pair of flip-flops."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...If I never see another Twelfth Night (which of course is unlikely), I would be satisfied with having seen Phillips’s staging, overflowing with all that makes life worthwhile: friends, lovers, music, and empathy."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...I do not ordinarily recommend Shakespeare as a must see musical, but Tyrone Phillips' effervescent tropical Twelfth Night is a singalong, dancealong tuneful romp that is the perfect antidote to the now earlier darkness of winter. From the sun soaked lighting design of Xavier Pierce paired with the vibrant projections of Mike Tutaj on the beach paradise inspired set by Syndey Lynne, this is a delightful escape from the heavy weight of today's world. From the signature tropical cocktails that await in the lobby concession to the glowing experience of being transported to another land, this Shakespeare is a feast for the senses."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...Of the seventeen comedies written by Shakespeare, Twelfth Night (Full title: Twelfth Night, or What You Will) ranks as one of his top comedies and the only one that references Twelfth Night after Christmas Day. The theme is about the intricate issues of gender, class, sexual attraction, loss, and grief, making it suitable for today; however, as I looked at the eight-year-old kid sitting in front of me, my feeling was that although there was a lot of humorous scenes within this production, it's not appropriate for elementary students. It's fantastic to see this talented young man get his well-deserved recognition on a big stage in Chicago."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Most of us grew up with a fear of Shakespeare. The "language" scared us and made it seem impossible to comprehend. I have many friends who are still wary although I keep telling them at Chicago Shakespeare, they will not only be able to understand the language, but they will understand the story as well. They have updated their shows and have added music ( including Beatles music) to enhance the productions and it works. Currently, they are bringing us a new, updated version of "Twelfth Night"."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Sure, the Winter winds may be blowing across Lake Michigan and a few flakes of snow have started piling up around Chicago. But theatergoers will soon forget the changes in season when they settle into Chicago Shakespeare's sun-drenched Courtyard Theatre. Within moments, audiences will lose themselves in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy classic that feels fresh, fast-paced and so much fun. It's a guaranteed treat for all the senses that will warm the heart and provoke two hours of belly laughter from even the grumpiest patron. Director Tyrone Phillips promises that audiences will feel like they're on a Caribbean vacation, and where music provides the food of love."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...From the opening scene where Olivia’s jester Feste (Israel Erron Ford) invites islanders to stroll with him to a reggae-inspired beat to the curtain-call where the entire cast dances to that same exuberant rhythm, Twelfth Night is an energetic, joyous, laugh-out loud romp that is sure to entertain – a perfect escape for a couple hours from the holiday stress."
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...Director Tyrone Phillips masterfully transports Shakespeare's classic to the Caribbean. His creative design team (Sydney Lynne-scenic, Xavier Pierce-lighting, Mike Tutaj-projections, Willow James-sound) command attention immediately. Their massive storm is transfixing. It looks, sounds and feels like the real thing. It's powerful enough to sink a ship and suspend the audience's belief. The designers then dramatically contrast the doom and gloom with a bright, sunny vibe. Costume Designer Christine Pascual joins the team in concocting a colorful, festive island life."
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...Phillips directs this production with specificity—providing an easy access point for audiences who may even be less familiar with Shakespeare’s language to follow from moment to moment. Full of mistaken identities, failed declarations of love, and witty banter, you may just find yourself on the edge of your seat—both curious and nervous to see what may happen next."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...Phillips makes these typical comedic Shakespearean shenanigans feel fresh, and the tropical island setting (aided by Xavier Pierce’s lighting and Willow James’ sound, as well as Mike Tutaj’s projections) is actually one of the reasons for that. Illyria has become a unique and memorable location, one that suggests warmth and sunlight but is currently overrun by silly humans doing silly things…until the reggae music returns and all is set right."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...It all feels like an expertly-crafted ensemble piece. LaVonne's earnest and engaging Viola/Cesario is a delight. Sir Toby Belch and Aguecheek, two of Shakespeare's most beloved comic foils, are played here by Conner and Goodrich with reckless comic abandon. Davis, whose sustained laughter is infectious, and the sublime vocals of Ford, round out the band of hooligans at the center of the comic subplot to upend Stovall's staunchly priggish servant turned infatuated manic lover Malvolio-the brilliant and commanding performance of the night-all make "Twelfth Night" a show to see and enjoy!"
Life and Times - Highly Recommended
"...Chicago Shakespeare Theater is currently staging an imaginative and inspired production of Twelfth Night that is sure to be the talk of the city. Under the impeccable direction of Tyrone Phillips, the Chicago Shakes theatrical undertaking is calm, cool, and refreshing. You'll laugh. You'll ooh in amazement. And you'll go home afterward a very happy camper."
Chicago Culture Authority - Recommended
"...Like Comedy of Errors, also recently produced at Shakes, Twelfth Night is one of the Bard’s comedies of mistaken identity. After a real hurricane leaves them shipwrecked and separated, twins Viola (a delightful Jaeda LaVonne) and Sebastian (a winning Justen Ross) wash ashore on different beaches of Illyria, both thinking their sibling has died. Viola soon finds herself impersonating a man (Cesario) as she becomes the servant of Duke Orsino (a noble and ardent Yao Dogbe). He pines for Countess Olivia (a sharp-witted, brilliantly funny Christiana Clark) and sends Cesario to make his romantic case. Sebastian, meanwhile, is staying in the shadows with the Captain (a romantically stalwart Adam Poss) who rescued him, but who is in the duke’s bad books."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's latest production, Twelfth Night directed by Tyrone Phillips, feels as much like a party as a play. Bursting with energy, this Caribbean-inspired production of Shakespare's comedy is a delightful romp through a colorful world you'll wish you could live in."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...This is a talented cast, who mostly play their roles big and bold, matching Pascual’s costumes and Sydney Lynne’s bright, tropical set. As Olivia, Clark makes the role broadly comic, and it works. She goes from mourning to lust on a dime and has wonderful tall girl/short guy chemistry with Justen Ross’ fiery Sebastian. We also see a touching, unrequited passion for Sebastian from Adam Poss as Antonio."
