**** Highly Recommended I loved Writers Theatre’s production of As You Like It, one of Shakespeare’s more complicated comedies. This delightful show was just what I needed! Shakespeare’s words and music are a natural fit in this enjoyable new adaptation by Shaina Taub and Laurie Wooolery. Kudos to Director Braden Abraham, Music Director Michael Mahler and Choreographer Erin Kilmurray, for bringing a new twist to an old favorite. Get your tickets for this terrific holiday show ASAP! 4 BIG Spotlights
When you get there, don’t waste a lot of time in the lobby because the band is already playing some tunes. While they occupy a band stand, there’s a beautiful bar with shiny dark wood on the opposite side. The lead singer, Jacques (Matthew C. Yee), wearing a fringed buckskin jacket and wide-brimmed hat, strums his guitar as he sings the prologue.
(l. to r.) Elisa Carlson, Matthew Yee, Matt Edmonds, Mason Moss
Meanwhile, at court, cousins Rosalind (Phoebe Gonzalez) and Celia (Andrea San Miguel ) are best friends as well as cousins. Celia’s father, Duke Frederick (Scott Aiello), on the other hand, had no qualms when he wrested the duchy from his older brother Duke Sr. (Paul Oakley Stovall). He did allow Rosalind to stay at court as a companion to Celia rather than banish her like her father, but he’s paranoid and very suspicious of her.
Meanwhile, Orlando de Boys (Benjamin Mathew), is tired of being less than a servant, so he confronts his older brother, Oliver (Anand Nagraj), demanding better treatment. Oliver then throws Orlando and their loyal servant, Adam (Torrey Hanson) out. Orlando decides to go to court and wrestle in the Duke’s contest.
(l. to. r.) Andrea San Miguel, Phoebe Gonzalez, Dakota Hughes
When Orlando and Rosalind spot each other, it’s love at first sight. Later, in their room, Rosalind and Celia gossip about Orlando as they’re getting ready to attend the wrestling match. By the way, their sparkling overdresses are absolutely gorgeous.
Wrestling matches are a big deal at Duke Frederick’s court. His champion, Bronco (Jeff Rodriguez) normally beats all comers so the Duke is enraged when Oliver wins the match. When he learns that Orlando is a de Boys – and the son of his enemy – he totally loses it. Orlando – and Adam – barely get away.
(l. to r.) Elisa Carlson, Phoebe Gonzalez, Andrea San Miguel
Celia and Rosalind are back in their room when the Duke storms in to inform Rosalind that she is banished. Furious at her father, Celia decides to go with her. They decide that they’d best disguise themselves so Rosalind decides she’ll wear men’s clothes and call herself Ganymede. Celia remains a girl, but wears ordinary clothes and calls herself Aliena, Ganymede’s sister. The court fool, Touchstone (Jackson Evans), goes with them. They buy a cottage from an old shepherd, Corin (Torrey Hanson) and his wife, Mama Corin (Janet Ulrich Brooks).
Duke Sr., accompanied by a few courtiers and new friends, has put together a home of sorts in Arden Forest. The melancholy Jacques (Yee) cannot embrace the joy of life, instead brooding about absolutely everything. When a desperate young man (Orlando) pulls a gun demanding food, Duke Sr. gladly offers food instead. When Duke, Sr. recognizes him as the son of a dear friend, he gives him a big hug. Soon, the love bug strikes many Ardenites. William (Elliot Esquivel) loves Phoebe (Dakota Hughes) but she wants Ganymede. Andy (Jeff Rodriguez) and Touchstone too. Ganymede, meanwhile, has been instructing Orlando in the correct way to court Rosalind.
(l. to r.) , Phoebe Gonzalez, Andrea San Miguel, Benjamin Mathew
Many of the actors play multiple parts, so even though many are mentioned throughout the review, I thought I would include all of them here. They are: Janet Ulrich Brooks (Agent/Mama Corin/Martext/Miss Amiens), Elisa Carlson (Ensemble/Ardenite), Matt Edmonds (Ensemble/Announcer/Ardenite), Elliott Esquivel (William/Caveman), Torrey Hanson (Adam/Referee/Papa Corin), Dakota Hughes (Phoebe/Hisperia/Frankie Flow), Anand Nagraj (Oliver/Ardenite), Jeff Rodrigues (Andy/Bronco) and Grace Steckler (Silvia/Ensemble). Many of them are also musicians, but I couldn’t find a list of them.
One of the most famous monologues from As You Like It, which begins with “All the world is a stage …” turned out to be a really cool song as sung by Matthew Yee.
Paul Oakley Stovall and cast
As You Like It runs through December 14th in Writers Theatre’s Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. Free parking is available in the Metra lot across Green Bay Road. Running time is approximately 2 hours with an intermission.
Performances: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 3:00 & 7:30 pm; Sundays at 2:00. Tickets range from $35-$115. FYI (847) 242-6000 or www.writerstheatre.org.