Theatre

A New Approach to "As You Like It"

by Marissa Quenqua

Friday December 20, 2002

From December 5-7, the Sarah Lawrence College Theatre Program presented an entertaining, humorous, and somewhat whimsical version of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like it.”

Directed by Paul Rudd, the production had a modern feel. Opening the production was cast members dancing together in character to the rhythms of the Gypsy Kings, and the audience could be seen tapping their feet to the music.

Presented in the Frances Ann Cannon Workshop Theatre, the auditorium was packed. A sign up sheet in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center quickly turned into a waiting list, and the line to get in was quite large.

Audience members sat in the balcony dangling their feet over the edge, and crammed onto mats in front of the stage, as seats filled up quickly. The entire cast was immensely talented and entertaining, as they effortlessly spouted iambic pentameter. The cast did not falter, even as the audience laughed at Shakespeare’s amusing lines.

Particularly strong performances were given by Jacob Troy, Amanda Triplett, Anna Soloway, and Autumn Brown. Troy played the lead role of Orlando, the slighted younger brother of Oliver. He convincingly portrayed a young man in love with the fair Rosalind, so much that he would write lines of verse on trees for her to read.

Amanda Triplett played the amusing Celia, cousin to Rosalind, who provided much comic relief, as well as tension mounting drama. Rosalind was played beautifully by Anna Soloway, a character who falls in love, and disguises herself as a man.
Lastly, the audience was given the pleasure of hearing the sweet, powerful voice of Autumn Brown, as she played Amiens.
The production of “As You Like It” provided for a fresh look upon Shakespeare’s time honored play. The cast and crew should be greatly pleased with their accomplishment. The theatre students here at Sarah Lawrence never cease to amaze us with their true talents, as well as never cease to vastly entertain us.