Manhattan Arts Center is proud to present William Shakespeare’s much loved comedy "Twelfth Night." Performance dates for the play are August 1st through the 3rd at 8pm and Sunday August 4th at 2pm. General admission tickets are $10 (adults), $5 (students) and can be purchased at the Manhattan Arts Center or at the door on the date of the performance.

The comedy, written in 1601, follows the plight of Viola (Tara Bauer) who, being shipwrecked on a foreign island, must find employment with the local Duke (Adam Mason). To do so, she must disguise herself as a man. The Duke is painfully in love with the Countess Olivia (Erin Fast) and sends Viola as an envoy to her. Things get complicated when Olivia’s Uncle, Toby Belch (Jimbo Ivy) and his foolish friend Sir Andrew (Garrett Gottschalk) along with Maria (Blake Bolan), the head maid, try to get even with the butler Malvolio (Kyle McGuffin). To accomplish this, they recruit the help of Feste (Vi Nhan Tran) the jester and Fabian (Nick Uthoff), Olivia’s gardener.

The action heats up when Viola’s twin brother Sebastian (Chris Gregory) arrives with his friend Antonio (Jake Urban). Naturally, mistaken identity ensues with no one knowing who is who between Viola and Sebastian. Valentine (Nicholas Wasinger) and Curio (James Fullagar) who attend the Duke, and Bianca (Beverly Sharpe), Portia (Katie Winslow) and Celia (Haley Masterson), who are Olivia’s ladies in waiting, can add no relief to the situation.

Costume design for the play is being done by Daniele Taylor and sound design by David Brown. Kyle McGuffin is designing sets and lights. Tracey Hull is providing stage management.

To see how it all plays out, purchase your tickets by stopping by the Manhattan Arts Center, 1520 Poyntz Avenue, or by phone at 537-4420.