With an incredibly talented Company of performers and original compositions by Veda Hille that will leave you humming all day long, music truly is the “the food of love” in our carnival Twelfth Night! 

We were lucky enough to catch up with Twelfth Night Musical Director Anton Lipovetsky to learn more about how he helped bring the music of Illyria to life—while also balancing his roles as Feste and the Gravedigger in Hamlet. Read on for our full conversation with Anton!

Anton Lipovetsky headshot

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first got into theatre?
I grew up here in Vancouver. My parents exposed me to tons of art as a kid, but my passion for theatre really got serious in high school thanks to some amazing drama teachers. Around that same time I started writing music and playing instruments. I went to Studio 58 for Acting but I wear a lot of hats—I do work as a sound designer, composer, lyricist, teacher, and musical director (like on Twelfth Night!). 

How would you describe Twelfth Night and its music to someone who’s never seen it before?
Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies. It’s a love story with classic Shakespearean elements like mistaken identities (twins!), complicated love triangles, and ridiculous/complex subplots. For me, the most resonant theme in Twelfth Night is unrequited love—many of the characters are in love with a person who cannot love them back, and they suffer greatly (and hilariously.) Our production is set in a circus, which makes for a number of wacky and chaotic surprises.

Shakespeare included a bunch of lyrics for songs and typically each time a production is done a composer will take those lyrics and set them to music. Our composer Veda Hille has done this wonderfully, and created a variety of new songs as well. The songs are a major feature in the show—filled with detail, character and explosive energy. Super catchy too. 

What was it like working with Veda Hille on the music for this production?
I’m a massive fan of Veda. I’m honoured she asked me to musical direct. She was so supportive throughout rehearsal.

How did you approach the creative process in terms of balancing your roles as both Musical Director and Feste in Twelfth Night?
In advance of the production, I did a whole bunch of work with Veda so I could be as prepared as possible for the fast pace of rehearsal. Once rehearsal started, it was a juggling act—teaching music in one room and then running down the hall to act in a scene and then running back to the music room. It wasn’t always easy to keep my ears on everything but luckily I had amazing collaborators helping make things sound great. The role of Feste mixes pretty well with the role of musical director—he’s aloof to the serious action of the play (most of my scenes involve roasting someone or being told to sing a song) and so I was often able to get to the piano and musicalize.

What was it like to dive into characters like Feste and the Gravedigger in Hamlet this Season?
Feste and the Gravedigger make a great combo. They’re both outsiders who provide comic relief—but in different ways. Feste is a self-described “corrupter of words” and plays with language fluidly. The Gravedigger is almost relentlessly literal, providing a down-to-earth contrast to Hamlet’s metaphysical questions of death. They’re iconic characters, so I did at times feel pressure to live up to their legacy—but I just tried to tune that out and bring as much of myself to the roles as I could, while serving the needs of the production and being faithful to the text.

The Company of Twelfth Night, featuring Anton as Feste (centre with guitar). Photo by Tim Matheson.

Do you have a favourite memory so far from this Season?
Cam, who plays Viola, was ill for our Opening Night performance and didn’t get to debut with us or join in the celebrations. When they were well enough to return, we surprised them with a “second opening”—food, drinks, and fancy outfits. It was Dawn Petten’s idea and I thought it was so thoughtful. The generosity and support I have felt and seen from our Mainstage Company has been remarkable. It’s what I’ll remember most about this summer!

When you aren’t in rehearsal or performing, how do you like to spend your time?
Oh man—I have not had a lot of free time lately. I’m super fortunate to be so busy with theatre. When Bard is done I’m off to London, Ontario to perform in As You Like It—and amidst all the performing, I’ve been working on musical commissions for the Arts Club (with Bard alumnus Ben Elliott) and Sudbury’s YES Theatre with Sara Farb. So I know this is weird to talk about in August, but I’m already planning a staycation in December where I do nothing but bake things and watch TV, and it’s gonna be amazing. I also like cooking, reading, running, and spending time with my fianceé and family. Oh—and sometimes I make videos on TikTok! @antronsongs

Huge thanks to Anton for taking the time to chat with us today and for sharing your insights on the music in Twelfth Night!

Be sure to catch him and the rest of our Mainstage Company in Twelfth Night on the BMO Mainstage. Don’t wait—our Season must close September 21. Get your tickets now by visiting our Season Schedule!