As You Like It

Lyrical, emotional, bitter-sweet and hugely funny, As You Like It has long been regarded as Shakespeare’s most perfectly constructed (and mature) comedy – a delicious concoction of cross-dressing and lusty pastoral pursuits, filled with song, poetry and slapstick humor.

The convoluted plot revolves around the banishment of Rosalind, whose parent has been deposed. Disguised as a young man, “Ganymede,” she ventures into the wilds of Arden Forest (accompanied by her loving cousin Celia and the court fool, Touchstone). There she encounters Orlando, with whom she fell in love earlier in the play. He has been banished by his evil older brother, Oliver, who (unbeknownst to him) has followed Orlando into Arden Forest to kill him. Orlando’s and Rosalind’s love is further complicated by Phebe, a love-crazed shepherdess infatuated with “Ganymede,” and the devoted shepherd Silvius, whom she spurns at every turn.

Rife with story lines about the charms of a simple life, the play ultimately reaches a tidy resolution culminating in three marriages. The characters are attractive and passionate. The dialogue filled with wit, strong imagery and knowing observations. You won’t want to miss this profoundly moving, irrepressibly romantic, hilarious work by a master playing at the very top of his game. As it’s title implies, As You Like It has something for everyone! Donna Devlin directs.

Rated PG