[rating: 4.0]
Marin Shakespeare kicks off its 25th Silver Season with a classic production of As You Like It , Shakespeare’s exuberant comedy set in the Forest of Arden. At its recent Silver Anniversary Gala, the Company announced that it has been given an anonymous donation of one million dollars. “This gift will create new jobs, touch more lives and ensure the future of Shakespeare in Marin,” said Managing Director, Lesley Currier.
The opening night at Dominican University’s Forest Meadows Amphitheatre had lots of pre-show speeches from various politicians, and it was announced that all performances of this first play of the season are “pay-as-you- like- it.”
Director Robert Currier presents this charming production in a classical style with authentic classical Shakespearian costumes by Tammy Berlin, with a minimal set by Jackson Currier which clearly turns into the Forest of Arden, accompanied with beautiful songs composed by Billie Cox.
As You Like It begins in the Court of evil Duke Frederick (Scott Coopwood) who sees the dukedom from his good brother (also Coopwood). The exiled duke’s daughter, Rosalind (Elena Wright), is suddenly exiled by the evil Duke, and she goes off to live in the Forest of Arden dressed as a man with her cousin, Celia (Livia Demarchi) going along as her faithful companion. Right before she left, Rosalind fell in love at first site with Orlando (Teddy Spencer), a young nobleman with an evil brother of his own (Davern Wright). Orlando also has to flee the Court to avoid being killed, so everyone winds up in the Forest of Arden. Tagging along with Rosalind is a clown, Touchstone (Adam Roy). Attending the good Duke is Jacques (Glenn Havlan), a melancholy intellectual who has one of Shakespeare’s most famous speeches (“All the World’s a Stage”). Julian Lopez-Morillas, who has either directed or performed in every existing Shakespearian play, is wonderful as the old shepherd, Corin. A realistic wrestling scene in the First Act between Orlando and Charles the wrestler (Jeffrey Lloyd Heatherly) is brilliantly choreographed by Richard Pallaziol, Fight Director.
As You Like It performs in repertory with Romeo and Juliette through August 10, 2014, at Forest Meadow s Amphitheatre, 890 Belle Avenue, Dominican University, in San Rafael. Due to the million dollar grant, admission is free; however admission donations of any amount will be greatly accepted at the door. Order tickets on-line at www.marinshakespeare.org or call 415-499-4488.
Coming up next at Marin Shakespeare will be Romeo and Juliette, directed by Lesley Schisgall Currier from July 18 through September 28, 2014.
Flora Lynn Isaacson
