Reviews
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“Mooney engages [the characters] to their highest degree with his innate comedic instincts and bold physicality. This kind of expression bridges the gap between old language and timeless concepts for modern theater goers. What would have left me short of breath, tongue-tied, and probably cross-eyed, Mooney navigated with confidence. Tangled plots and confused characters were made easily distinguishable with sufficient explanation and a variety of acting devices that he deployed. I was thoroughly amused and impressed by the entire performance! I think it’s fair to say that I have gained an even greater appreciation of Shakespeare’s humor than before I attended this show.” — Faith Andra Harris, KCFringe
- “Mooney was a master opening night. The lines, even so expertly delivered, don’t hit their marks unaided. A wholeness, however briefly glimpsed, must come through to the audience in every speech.” –Jay Harvey, Jay Harvey Upstage
Audience Response
- “Amazing! Mooney delivered enough dialogue and other content so that, after a scant hour, he elicited the same catharsis that an audience would experience at the end of a full performance of Twelfth Night. He pulled it off brilliantly.” — Susan Ikazaki
- “Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing eight Tim Mooney productions. This latest breakneck installment may be my favorite. Mooney has expertly crafted another hit. His boundless physical comedy, lending a unique gait and voice to each of the characters (especially a most memorable Malvolio) is a joy to see unfold.” — Michael, Shaeffer
- “This is my third time seeing Tim, and he honestly is my favorite way to experience Shakespeare!” — Jen Raines
Adapted and Performed by Timothy Mooney
Breakneck Twelfth Night is a whirlwind journey through Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, condensing the usual two-hour play into a thrilling one-hour performance with a single actor. Mooney’s “breakneck performance” brings to life the wit, romance, and mistaken identities of Twelfth Night with breathtaking speed and clarity. This adaptation showcases the play’s humor and heart, making Shakespeare’s language more accessible than ever.
About the Adaptation
“Shakespeare’s comedies are not leisurely! When you strip away all the pausing and sighing we’re used to seeing, and instead focus on the rapid-fire wordplay, you uncover a story that is clear, engaging, and just REALLY funny,” says Mooney. “In Breakneck Twelfth Night, I’ve distilled the essence of the story. It’s all the clever disguises, the hilarious misunderstandings, and the touching moments of self-discovery.”
“By condensing the play and having one actor portray all the characters, you can experience a unique theatrical event that really highlights the interconnectedness of the various plotlines. It’s like watching a juggler keep all the balls in the air at once, revealing the intricate structure of Shakespeare’s comedy.”
“This adaptation aims to capture the energy and excitement that an Elizabethan audience would have felt. It’s Shakespeare at his most accessible, allowing modern audiences to fully appreciate the timeless themes of love, identity, and the folly of human nature.”
Video and Photos
(photos by Tracy Majkol)