I arrived expecting a traditional Shakespeare comedy.
About 20 minutes later, something unexpected happened.
I stopped thinking about Shakespeare.
I was listening to the music, laughing at the jokes and having far more fun than I expected.
By intermission, I wasn’t wondering what Shakespeare meant.
I was wondering when Lady Zen was going to sing again.
Adapted and directed by Evren Odcikin, this production takes one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies and gives it fresh energy without losing the heart of the original story.
What I discovered was a production that uses music, movement, humor and strong performances to make Shakespeare feel surprisingly approachable.
The answer was Lady Zen.
I’ve seen plenty of productions that include music.
Usually the songs help bridge scenes or provide atmosphere.
Not here.
Her songs became an essential part of the storytelling.
Each musical number pulled the audience deeper into the emotional world of the play. Her voice carried warmth, humor, soul and mischief. Rather than interrupting the action, the songs expanded it.
More than once I found myself looking forward to the next song as much as the next scene.
Lady Zen’s songs were performances within a performance.
For those unfamiliar with the story, Rosalind is banished from court and escapes into the Forest of Arden disguised as the young Ganymede. There she encounters Orlando, who has been searching for Rosalind without realizing she is standing right in front of him disguised as a young man. Around them swirl lovers, fools, philosophers, exiles and dreamers, all searching for connection, acceptance and happiness.
Fortunately, you don’t need a degree in Shakespeare to enjoy any of it.
The production keeps the story moving, the comedy lands and the relationships remain easy to follow.
Jeunée Simon brings intelligence, confidence and charm to Rosalind, while Adam Magill makes an appealing Orlando. Together they provide the emotional center of the evening and give us two characters worth rooting for.
Another surprise was the set.
Or perhaps more accurately, the lack of one.
There isn’t much scenery.
The production places much of the storytelling burden on the actors, and they respond with abundant physicality, movement and commitment. Through gesture, energy and imagination they create forests, journeys, romances, conflicts and entire emotional landscapes.
The set may be sparse, but the stage never feels empty.
The outdoor setting at Forest Meadows Amphitheatre adds another layer to the experience. As daylight gradually fades and evening settles over the hillside, the Forest of Arden begins to feel surprisingly real.
The combination of live music, natural surroundings and energetic performances creates an atmosphere that is both intimate and inviting.
Whether you arrived as a Shakespeare enthusiast or someone who normally approaches Shakespeare with caution, there was room for you in this Forest of Arden.
The themes of love, identity, acceptance and belonging emerge naturally through the story. They are present throughout the evening, but never delivered with a heavy hand. The production trusts us to discover them for ourselves.
I came expecting Shakespeare. I left remembering the music, the laughter and the people.
As You Like It?
I certainly did.
AS YOU LIKE IT
Marin Shakespeare Company
Forest Meadows Amphitheatre
Dominican University, San Rafael
Now Playing Through July 19
Performance Schedule:
Thursday–Saturday at 7:30 PM
Sunday at 5:00 PM
Running Time:
Approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes including intermission
Tickets & Information:
www.marinshakespeare.org/as-you-like-it
Recommended for audiences who enjoy outdoor theater, live music, strong ensemble performances and Shakespeare that feels fresh, welcoming and thoroughly entertaining.
