If you doubt the dedication of the young actresses who are presenting Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" as a two-woman show at the New England Youth Theatre this weekend, consider this: They've been working so hard, they've spent the night sleeping on on the NEYT stage — twice.
"I get scared," admits Rosa Palmeri, who shares all the parts with Allie Bliss in this high-energy adaptation of Shakespeare's play. It's been hard work, and the fact that there's a comfortable bed on stage as a set piece, prompted them to sleep there.
I can't help seeing a little bit of method acting in this approach, since a slumber party between two friends is the jumping off place for the play. I watched some rehearsal Tuesday evening, and the two actresses were putting out incredible energy, bringing all the characters to life, switching from one to another with a change of accent, costume and attitude.
At one point during rehearsal, as they struggled with a bit of stage business, director Peter Gould urged them on saying "Just go for it. Commit to it."
Judging from the fact that the girls have slept on the stage and they've each had to learn more than 900 lines, I'd say they're plenty committed.
Performances on "Twelfth Night" are Friday and Saturday, Jan. 11 and 12, at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 13, at 3 p.m. The New England Youth Theatre is at 100 Flat St. Call 802-246-NEYT, visit www.neyt.org or e-mail michelle@neyt.org.