Pointing out the humor in Act II Scene III and how to bring it out.
Line 1-3: This line should be delivered to Andrew as an arrogant piece of advice, letting the audience know of the hypocrisy of Toby's statement; he is a drunk. Toby should also be a bit tipsy during this whole scene, but not flat out drunk so as to ruin any of the lines.
Line 4-6: The first few lines in each scene from each character are very important. They set up the mood for the whole scene. In order to keep this scene funny, Andrew's character should not be played as intelligent as in one of the movies we saw as a class. Andrew should be the real fool of the play. However, he should not be aware of it. Andrew statement being made shows that he believes that others have something to learn from him, but they really do not. Andrew should make hand gestures of self-importance during his lines, to emphasize the sheer ridiculousness of his words and actions.
Line 7-13: The light mood that begins this scene should continue when the fool come on the stage. Although the fool may be in the play for many reasons, part of his importance is certainly his humorous wit. Not realizing any of the intelligence behind the fool's wit, neither Toby or Andrew should feel they have to change their conversation because of the fool's entrance. Perhaps Toby could toss his cup at Marian when he tells her to go get more wine.
Line 14-50: Perhaps on Andrew speech beginning on line 18. he could stumble through all the difficult words, and Toby could mouth the words as Andrew attempted to say them. Andrew's line "I care not for the good life," and the sad song following could simply be a setup for more humor. This tactic is used a lot to surprise the audience with a joke on such shows as SNL and Family Guy.
Line 50-52: Andrew and Toby's lines should be given with all the seriousness and sincerity that there characters can muster. This keeps up the charade of seriousness of the last few passages.
