John Henry Steelman as Feste, left, and Phillip Ball as Olivia help bring Shakespeare's “Twelfth Night” to life with an all male cast.

Crickets and clapping were heard at the opening of Shakespeare's “Twelfth Night” at Preston Park this weekend.

Twins, tights and sword fights, folly, fools and foils — this action packed outdoor production pleased the audience from first note to last line.

A few in the all-male cast donned gowns to convey the purest presentation of William Shakespeare's work.

Jud Michael Stewart, Phillip Ball and Louis Hutmire portrayed the ladies Viola, Countess Olivia and Maria, respectively. With great wit and womanly virtue, the trio delivered memorable performances. As one audience member said, “So many sights I can't unsee.”

Ball's movements and body language had the audience in hysterics while they commiserated with the frustrated Stewart and laughed at the haughty Hutmire's practical jokes.

Daniel Williams portrayed Duke Orsino who was in love with the Countess. His relationship with his servant Cesario is somewhat awkward and confusing but does have a happing ending. The pair played that confusion well and in a most amusing fashion.

Bob Meals was delightful as that saucy and also sauced Sir Toby Belch. His antics were fun to watch, and his chemistry with his cohorts quite credible.

One of those cohorts, Sir Andrew, was expertly played by Justin Anderson whose flamboyance and energy was much appreciated by the audience.

Malvolio was played by the always capable Stefan Lingenfelter.

His tight performance and well delivered lines made for some memorable moments. His soliloquy in the second act was more than amusing, but the yellow tights scene was the epitome of hilarity tied up quite nicely with a pink bow or two.

Several great performances were offered up by the other performers including John Henry Steelman, Thom Hilliard who played multiple roles, Justin Macurdy, Peter Bess, Josh Donovan and Elijah Errington, with some music added by Sean Donovan.

Ken Smith and the Hobnob Theater Company cast and crew put together a most enjoyable performance for the whole family on a mid summer night's eve.

Attendees are encouraged to take picnic fixings, chairs or blanket, and bug spray to enjoy the performance which will be centered in one location, instead of strolling from scene to scene as in previous Hobnob park performances.

WHO: Hobnob Theatre CompanyWHAT: “Twelfth Night” by William ShakespeareWHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Preston Park, 415 S. Eberhart Road, Butler Township, and then Aug. 26 and 27 at Zelienople Amphitheater, 402 E. Beaver St., ZelienopleTICKETS: $10 at the park on the day of show