Why should you get off the sofa and see Shakespeare's As You Like It at Milburn Stone Theater? 1. Shakespeare is good for you. 2. This production of As You Like It is an excellent rendition. 3. Do you really need more time on the sofa?
A quick synopsis: Orlando, youngest son of a deceased landowner, is rejected by his eldest brother and set up for murder by the Duke's wrestler. At the wrestling match, Orlando falls in love at first sight with Rosalind, the sister-like companion of the Duke's daughter, who happens to be the daughter of the deposed Duke. The murder plot failing, Orlando finds his way to the woods for protection from futher plots. Meanwhile, the Duke (who generally seems kind of angry) accuses Rosalind of treason and banishes her. She, disguised as a man, finds her way to the same woods along with the Duke's daughter and clown. Yes, I said clown. Once in the woods everyone gravitates to the deposed Duke and his encampment, and complications ensue. Will the deposed Duke and his daughter be reunited? Will Orlando and Rosalind find each other? Will Orlando become lovesick and post bad poetry (by 1600's standards) all over the forest anticipating the modern problem of pollution?
This is a wonderful show to watch, and to listen to. Director Marshall B. Garrett paces and spaces his actors across a beautiful woodsy set and makes them as comfortable conversing in Shakespearean English as I am speaking in my contemporary dialect with my customers in the Tool Department at Sears. There are even some period-appropriate original vocal numbers.
Hearing the words - "All the world's (to me is) a stage and (we) are merely players" - started immediately in my imagination the playing of the Rush song "Limelight". I hoped the people seated next to me were not disturbed by Geddy Lee singing in my head. Another line took me straight to the men's room at Baltimore's Mount Royal Tavern, the wall upon which was written 20 years ago, "Men have died and worms have eaten them, but not for love." That came from Shakespeare! I always wondered.
As Orlando, Russell Matthews gives a standout performance. His Orlando is youthful and angry, impetuous and jagged. I wonder if he could be all these things and speak just a tiny bit more slowly for my middle-aged ear. As Touchstone, Josh Singer provides a clown's comic relief. His mastery of Olde English wordplay, and his comfort with physical humor and expression creates a character that is a joy to watch. And that's not to mention Touchstone's love subplot!
Speaking with one of the actors after the show, I congratulated him and made the comment, "Easy Shakespeare." But I think he misunderstood my remark as a slight. For the audience to be able to follow the story, understand the dialog, laugh at the humor, and enjoy an evening of Shakespearian theater - easy. For the cast to deliver such an experience, making it look easy and fun - an extraordinary and commendable accomplishment. Indeed, watching these words come to life embodied by the talented persons of this cast might just make you a Shakespeare fan anew.
It did me.
Click here for Cecil Scene's preview with photos.
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