THEATER CRITIC

Theatrical Outreach Program (TOP) presented Shakespeare’s As You Like It in Tognino Hall on Friday night. Even in this non-theatrical setting, the top-notch cast did a great job of making this classic comedy work for modern audiences.

The play focuses on Orlando, a young gentleman who flees his home after a disagreement with his brother, Oliver. Orlando falls in love with Rosalind, a young girl living with her uncle, Duke Frederick. Rosalind and her friend Celia escape from court disguised as a man and a poor woman. Both Orlando and Rosalind end up in the Forest of Arden, where they find Rosalind’s father, Duke Senior. The disguised Rosalind finds love poetry that Orlando wrote and counsels him on how to get his “love at first sight.” The play comically explores the tension between brothers and the courting of lovers until the distinctly Shakespearean climax.

The directing team of Max Beyer, FCRH ’16, and Patrick Kelley, FCLC ’14, constructed their space as a theater-in-the-round, allowing for some interesting blocking choices that gave the show an extra dimension of audience participation. The lack of any set was disappointing but understandable given the limitations of the space. Beyer and Kelley also opted to keep some of Shakespeare’s original lyrics in the piece, which at times slowed momentum but worked well for the final scene. An anachronistic use of the Beach Boys’ “Barbara Ann,” however, seemed pointless.

This show needs a great Rosalind to work, and Rachel Sternlicht, FCRH ’17, more than fit the bill; she was a wonderfully winsome romantic lead. Liam Paris, FCRH ’17, did fine work as the other half of the romantic duo; his tender performance made it clear why Orlando is so in love. Jane Skapek, FCRH ’16, was a great foil as Celia; she supported Rosalind but brought her down to earth. Brendan Moss, FCRH ’16, was excellent as Oliver; he ran the gamut from scheming brother to star-crossed lover with ease. Matt Benincasa, FCRH ’14, was suitably cynical as Jaques, Orlando’s page, and he gave the proper weight to the famous “All the world’s a stage” speech. Vincent Pellizzi, GSB ’15, was great comic relief in the dual roles of the drug-addled Duke Senior and the wrestler Charles, who helps set the plot in motion. Mike Fynan, FCRH ’14, was alternately sinister and joyful as both Duke Frederick and one of the lovelorn residents of Arden.

In their director’s note, Beyer and Kelley said that they set “so many additional expectations for all our performers…all of which they not only met, but exceeded.”

Kelley said after the show that he appreciated the enthusiastic response of the audience. “Everyone involved was very pleased with the outcome,” he said.

With its comedic twists and turns, As You Like It can be tough to pull off. The directors and cast of the TOP production rose to the occasion, however, delivering a delightful show that proved the talent and value of this theater group.