In only its second night of production, “Twelfth Night” was only a smidgen short of perfection.

Scenic designer Robert Sunderman and his crew contributed enormously to this achievement.

The modern-looking set of arches and pillars, daintily overgrown with tendrils of vine and draped with flowing, silky material drew the audience into the performance. The floor of the set slowly rose in a gentle curve that sloped back down to the backdrop that created the vibrant blues of sea and sky. It was like the audience was a ghost, weaving throughout the action onstage unnoticed and undetected.

The actors of “Twelfth Night” also played a large part in suspending time and lifting each member of the Saturday audience out of the dreary cold, whipping wind and blustery drizzle that had enveloped Ames.

As both Viola and Cesario, Melissa Larsen, junior in performing arts, added a sentimental and angelic quality to this hilarious Shakespearean comedy.

This humor came in many forms. Michael Dahlstrom, senior in journalism and mass communications, as Feste the Fool, sang, danced and leapt about the stage with a fiery energy that seemed to seep into the acting of the other cast members. At one point he did a somersault, jumped to his feet and continued his quick tongue-in-cheek bantering.

Sean Kehoe, senior in performing arts, pranced about as Sir Aguecheek, a foolish but lovable character, in pink tights that complemented his pink hair.

David Byrd, as steward to the Countess Olivia, was like none other. He strutted and smiled like the Cheshire cat, desperately trying to win the lady’s affections, only to realize that he had been duped by Olivia’s household staff and Sir Toby Belch.

Byrd, junior in performing arts, had a calm and patient voice that flowed even when he was flustered. His sauntering steps were necessarily wide to accommodate his larger then life cod piece.

Period costuming, designed by Linda Pisano, added a distinct flavor and panache to acting that was fine enough it could have been done in potato sacks. Pisano’s creations held vibrant colors and a flare of style that fit each character’s personality and demeanor expertly.

Director Patrick Gouran, with some help from Shakespeare’s masterfully written comedy, made the humor be sentimental and the actors’ movements be not only precise but also easy and relaxed. His years of experience and unique personality gave this production strength and humor.