The walls reverberated as the jazz brought the theatre to life with each and every meticulous note played. The band showcased their mastery in the background while the cast gave their everything on stage, leaving us with one unforgettable performance. It all went down at the Bowie Headliners’ rendition of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.”

To give some context, “Twelfth Night” follows Viola, who takes on the identity of a man, Cesario, after a shipwreck in the ancient region of Illyria separates her from her brother. The disguised Viola happens to fall in love with the Duke of Illyria, Orsino. However, Orsino already has feelings for Lady Olivia. To further complicate matters, Lady Olivia fell head over heels for Cesario. Eventually, the brother Sebastian joins the mix, “leading to chaotic romantic entanglements, classic pranks, and eventual resolutions, following quite a bit of caterwauling,” as theatre director Joy Trimble puts it.

The Bowie Headliners often incorporate their own elements into each of their shows, this one being no different. The decision to set the story in 1930s New Orleans was an interesting, yet welcome take. Elements of the stage clearly encompass this theme, and creates a more cozy sort of feel to the show. The addition of the jazzy performances played by Bowie’s own fine art students created a bustling and exuberant setting for the show. The crew never misses when it comes to flawlessly integrating their own elements to their performances.

The entire crew gave a performance of a lifetime, but I’d like to give a few honorable mentions. Feste, played by Brandon Cole, was a highlight of the performance with his zany demeanor and comedic relief providing a good laugh for the audience, while also being a great conductor for his band, the Festes. The passionate lead, Viola, played by Genai Velasquez-Ebersole, portrays her passion for acting and previous experience with over 20 shows under her belt. Sir Toby Belch, played by Isaac Teran Morales, is animated and lively every second he’s on stage, creating some memorable scenes throughout the play.

To reiterate, the Bowie Headliners’ performance of “Twelfth Night” captivates the audience with its devoted cast members, pleasant theming with the stage, as well as captivating musical pieces sprinkled throughout.