Choosing this quaint spelling of Twelfth Night seems

incompatible with such a modern and knowing
interpretation of
Shakespeare’s most sadistic comedy. Director David Esbjornson slows the
pace, encouraging his capable cast to linger over the lewdest
jokes. The romantic leads are fine, but the supporting
clowns—Charles Leggett as the drunk Sir Toby Belch and
Frank X as a deliciously arrogant steward who gets his comeuppance with
interest—give Twelfe Night its nasty juice. (Seattle
Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, 443-2222. 7:30 pm, $10–$59.
Through Oct 20.)

Brend an Kiley has worked as a child actor in New Orleans, as a member of the junior press corps at the 1988 Republican National Convention, and, for one happy April, as a bootlegger’s assistant in Nicaragua....