Coronado Playhouse's latest production, under the able direction of Keith A. Anderson, is As You Like It. My program flopped open to a dense page titled, "Why A Modern-Language Text Of Shakespeare?" I was aghast that another director with some crazy idea thought he could possibly be better at prose than The Bard, the very man who added over 1700 words to the English language. NEVER!
Director Keith A. Anderson garnered nary a moment of wrath from me as he gently changed but a few words. It was either that or a glossary defining some obscure word's meaning.
The play takes place in the woods, actually the Forest of Arden, an orchard on the estate of Sir Rowland, and outside the Duke Frederick's palace. These locations are designed and painted by Rosemary King, in a two-tiered set that offers great variety. As the lights go down on one area, they come up on another, a credit to Dale Goodman's lighting design.
To further enhance the mood is the music, arranged by Ray Simard. Jane Russell and Mary Anderson provide a colorful array of costumes. Steve Murdock provides a good sound track.
This interpretation of As You Like It is very active, requiring a staff of choreographers. The show opens with four singers setting the mood. They then regale us with dance. Thus, Joni Schlumm's talents shine.
A terrible fight breaks out, requiring the talents of Pete Shaner and Leo Walker. A duel begins, calling on the choreographic talents of Tim Weske. Both the fight and dueling sequences are quite convincing. There are dance sequences within the play, choreographed by Pamela Rotta.
As You Like It is a charming, humorous multiple love story. And, as somebody once said, "All's well that ends well." Two lovely damsels, somewhat distressed, go into the woods in search of true love. The cross-dressing Rosalind, impish, at times, is played by Victoria Mature. No wonder Orlando de Bois, Pete Shaner, is in love with her, even as she is deceiving him. Orlando's brother Oliver (Brian Terry) falls madly in love with Celia, Elizabeth Mander-Wilson. A young shepherd, Silvius (Nick McElroy), takes a serious tumble for a lovely young shepherdess, Phoebe (Jessica Seaman). The last of the coupling is with the flamboyant Touchstone (James Steinberg), the court fool, and his dream, Audrey (Michelle Brooks), a country wench. She is verbally abused by Touchstone while she abuses him physically truly a match made in the woods.
There are subplots, such as brother against brother, with banished Duke Senior (Martin M. White) and his evil younger brother, Duke Frederick (Marty Greenberg). Even director Anderson can be seen as Old Adam, an aging servant of minimal words. The large cast includes shepherds, servants, lords, a vicar, and even a wrestler.
There are some excellent performances, primarily from the principals. As You Like It is fun, one of The Bard's lightest works. Dinner on the island and a stroll next to the water during intermission make for a delightful evening at the theater.
