A country split in two. Love found in the most unlikely of places. Families torn apart and brought together. Music, clowns, and a surprise ending. As You Like It is a story of ordinary people caught in the midst of extraordinary circumstances trying to find their place in the world and survive the only way they know how.
The setting
The city - controlled by a rich, temperamental duke known to throw temper tantrums with a penchant for bear baiting and wrestling. The forest - home to a band of exiled men and women rallying around the former Duke, working communally, striving to find a better way of living, celebrating what little they have through music, food, and community.
The people
Celia and Rosalind, cousins with a sisterly bond, are banished as a result of the ruling Duke’s (Celia’s father) temper. To protect themselves they take on new aliases and run off to the woods hoping to find Rosalind’s exiled father and peace.
The catch
Just before she’s banished Rosalind meets the charming Orlando and falls desperately in love. Little does she know, he too must run to the woods for safety after angering the Duke. Soon their paths cross and Rosalind must decide just how far she’ll go for the sake of true love.
Join us live and in person July 21, 22, and 23 at 7pm ET for William Shakespeare’s As You Like It!
Featuring
- Julia Baker - Rosalind
- William Downes - Jacques
- Karl Hawkins - Orlando
- Veronique Jeanmarie* - Denis, Corin, Sir Oliver Martex, and Hymen
- Clare McKelway - Adam, Audrey
- Julie McNamara - Aymens, Lord 2
- Sam O’Sullivan - Duke Frederick, 2nd Brother
- Corbin Puryear - Le Beau, Silvius, Lord 1
- William Reid - Charles, Duke Senior, William
- Sharon Romano - Celia
- John St. Croix - Oliver, Lord 1
- Patrick Taaffe - Touchstone
- Jacqueline Wladis - Phoebe, Lord 2
*As You Like It is an Equity Approved Showcase. Actors indicated with a * are appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association.
Production Team
- William Downes, Director
- Katie Prudente, Stage Manager
- John M. McKoll, Fight Director & Intimacy Director
- Sharon Stevens, Production Manager
- Victoria Gomez Wood, Associate Production Manager
About Classics on the Rocks
At Classics on the Rocks, we believe that just like whiskey doesn't need anything more than rocks to tame its bite, Shakespeare doesn't need fancy concepts, frilly costumes, or big sets to make it relatable. All you need are talented actors who trust the text and tell the story. It's classics served simply.
Our mission is to create a warm, friendly environment where actors and audience can come together and experience classical theatre in an easily accessible, and engaging way. With Shakespeare as our foundation, we bring the timeless themes of classic works that have defined and redefined humanity to life through intimately staged productions and acting workshops. Learn more at www.classicsontherocks.org