Big Apple Circus to ‘Bravo!” and Shakespeare, the gifts that keep on giving

‘Tis the season to show appreciation for your nearest and dearest. This annual “Gifts that keep on giving” points the way to the theater and gifts in the arts are sure to provide memorable experiences to treasure. Include yourself among the recipients!
Top of the list for teens and up, there’s a miracle occurring nightly at Broadway’s Belasco Theater. Having broken all London records the current Shakespeare’s Globe repertory production of “Twelfth Night” and “Richard III is a mind-and-eye boggling treat that takes us back into the Bard’s times. Come early to watch the players dressed and made-up onstage — as was the manner way back when. Then thrill to the antics of a superb cast headed in both productions by inimitable two-time Tony winner Mark Rylance — surely headed for a three-peat for his exquisite performance as love-struck noblewoman Olivia (all the parts in both works played by men as also done in Shakespeare’s time.
The object of Olivia’s affection is Viola, washed ashore in a shipwreck she believes drowned her twin brother Sebastian. Viola has disguised herself as a man for safety and enters the service of Duke Orsino, himself crazed by love for Viola. The latter, in deep mourning for her newly deceased father and brother has vowed to forsake all men for seven years but is immediately smitten by the disguised Viola. Confused already?
The fun’s just begun and the plot thickens gleefully for two hours as various parties masquerade as what they’re not — until true love finds a blissful resolution with genders all sorted out! In the meanwhile some of the most inspired staging to ever grace Broadway evokes gasps of wonder and delight: You will never, I promise, forget the plays bevy of women in huge ball-gown skirts, who somehow gracefully and speedily glide the stage rather than walk! Richard III, where Rylance plays the evil monarch is equally superb. A gift of tickets to either play or both will surely dub you royalty! (111 West 44th Street, tickets at 212-239-6200 or telecharge.com)

Bounty For kids: Big Apple Circus