As You Like It
by Austin Shakespeare
May. 01 - May. 25, 2014
In celebration of its 30th Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park, The City of Austin, Austin Parks and Recreation Department and Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theatre, in coordination with Austin Shakespeare, present As You Like It. The show brings new actors and company alumni together in a RenFaire-style As You Like It. Performances run 8 p.m. Thurs-Sun., from May 1 – May 25, with a preview on April 30. One of Shakespeare's most delightful romantic comedies, As You Like It is the story of Rosalind, the smartest girl in the world, falling for Orlando, the most handsome boy, both of whom are banished to the forest of Arden. Through the course of the play, Rosalind must disguise herself as a boy, testing the true love of the unsuspecting Orlando. Their journey leads them to encounter a band of merry men, silly shepherds and a melancholy philosopher.
As You Like It is the favorite Shakespeare play of Austin Shakespeare's Artistic Director, Ann Ciccolella. "I am thrilled to be directing it. Audiences will spend an evening with some of Shakespeare's most memorable characters, such as the quick-witted heroine Rosalind, Touchstone the Jester, while hearing the legendary 'Seven Ages of Man' speech," she says.
Shakespeare's comedy features professional actors, many of whom are new to the company: Kami Rushell Smith (Celia); Brian Coughlin (Touchstone, the Fool); Reginald Brown (as both the good and evil Duke); Patrick Schmidt (Adam); Kevin Squires (Charles, the Wrestler); Glenn Pieper (Flutist); Amanda Henkel (Audrey); and Matthew Jordan (William). Several of the leading actors have worked with Austin Shakespeare in the past, as well as having starred in the Austin theater scene: Liz Beckham (Rosalind); Keith Paxton (Orlando); Michael Miller (Jacques); Alison Stebbins (Phoebe); Devin Finn (Oliver); Nicholas Kier (Silvius/Amiens) and C. Robert Stevens (Corin).The professional design includes lighting by Jason Amato; scenery by Tara Houston, costumes by Emily Gilardi and props by Devon Brownlow.
The show culminates with four weddings in a RenFaire fun-fest while everyone sings – 'With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino!'
As You Like It
by William Shakespeare
Austin Shakespeare
Performances run 8 p.m. Thurs-Sun., from May 1 – May 25, with a preview on April 30.
