A lot to like in Classic Theatre of Maryland’s outdoor ‘As You Like It’

The inventive take on Shakespeare’s classic comedy, set in 1930s Appalachia with bluegrass-style songs, makes for a pleasant summer evening.

Classic Theatre of Maryland’s production of As You Like It is an inventive take on a classic play. Performed outdoors, on the lawn of the historic Gresham Estate in Edgewater, Maryland, it sets Shakespeare’s comedy in 1930s Appalachia, with songs done in bluegrass style. Directed by Sally Boyett, it makes for a pleasant summer evening.

Josh Lee brings a youthful physicality to Orlando, the youngest son who finds himself exiled to the forest of Arden. Upset at having his energy wasted, he grabs his brother Oliver (Austin Rubinoski) by the collar and handles himself well in the wrestling match with Charles (Justino Brokaw). Unable to speak directly to Rosalind (Shayna Freedman), he drops pages of his love poetry over the stage.

Nancy Krebs (Amiens), Ryan Kirby (William), Allison Meyer (Audrey), and Austin Rubinoski (Silvius) in ‘As You Like It.’ Photo by Sally Boyett.

Shayna Freedman plays Rosalind with eagerness and intelligence. She leaps for joy when she realizes Orlando is the author of the love poems and sulks in frustration when he is late for their meeting. It is fascinating to watch her, disguised as a boy named Ganymede while in the forest, as she woos Orlando under the guise of “curing” him of love. Likewise, watching her pass off her fainting at Orlando’s bloody handkerchief as “pretending” to be a woman is wonderful.

Maggie Paul gives a sincerity to Celia, Rosalind’s cousin. She stands up to Duke Frederick (Dexter Hamlett) as he exiles Rosalind. She tempers Rosalind’s exasperation with Orlando, reminding him that he is a man.

Jeffery Allen Sneed plays Touchstone the clown with great comic timing. Carrying a ventriloquist’s dummy, he cracks jokes about country life being inferior to life at court, while chasing after Audrey (Allison Meyer), a country girl, frolicking across the stage several times. He verbally and physically discourages Audrey’s suitor William (Ryan Kirby), running him off.

Austin Rubinoski gives an anger to Orlando’s brother Oliver, sneering and scheming. As Silvius, in love with Phebe (Kaitlin Harbin), he is full of comic passion, leaping onto haybales and following behind Phebe. Kaitlin Harbin gives a comic authority to Phebe, giving orders to Silvius in her pursuit of Rosalind (as Ganymede).

Dexter Hamlett exudes menace as Duke Frederick, exiling so many of the characters. He strikes the maid Hesperia (Kaitlin Harbin), determined to learn where Rosalind and Celia have run off to. He plays Orlando’s servant Adam with a determined faithfulness, offering his master all his saved money. Stooped over, he follows Orlando into the forest, collapsing with hunger and exhaustion. He plays a drunken minister about to marry Touchstone and Audrey with great comedy, pulling on his flask and stumbling about.

Justino Brokaw gives a hidden depth to Jaques, the witty courtier. His famous speech “All the world’s a stage” begins with sarcasm and smirking but ends with deep emotion, almost in tears. He goes tit for tat in insults with Orlando, and expertly blocks Touchstone’s attempted blows while describing the different types of courtly retorts. He gives a great physical strength to the wrestler Charles. John Pruessner plays the exiled Duke Senior with dignity and optimism, making the most of his situation. As the shepherd Corin, he has a great wit, verbally jousting with Touchstone.

Jeffrey Allen Sneed (Touchstone), Maggie Paul (Celia), and Shayna Freedman (Rosalind) in ‘As You Like It.’ Photo by Sally Boyett.

The set is simple yet effective, with a firepit on the left and various musical instruments and equipment around it. Bales of hay are scattered throughout, one forming a bed of sorts for characters to sleep on. Costume Designer Sally Boyett has created outfits appropriate to the period that also distinguish each character. Rosalind evokes Harpo Marx with a yellow dress, oversized bow tie, and big, frizzy blonde hair. As Ganymede, she wears gray pants and a blue shirt. Touchstone has a red vest and tie, a colorful jacket, and a top hat. Jaques looks dapper in a gray jacket, pants, and hat.

Lighting Designer Hailey LaRoe lowers the lights for more dramatic moments while enabling the audience to see the action even after the sun goes down. Audio Engineer Folger Rideout ensures both the actors and music can be heard clearly.

Shayna Freedman (Rosalind) and Kaitlin Harbin (Phebe) in ‘As You Like It.’ Photo by Sally Boyett.

Music Director and Arranger Nancy Krebs has a variety of bluegrass-feeling songs playing live in between scenes, some familiar and others new, including an original written by Krebs, “Sit Under This Tree with Me.” Even Shakespeare’s songs are done in the style of bluegrass. As vocal and dialect coach, Krebs also ensures that Shakespeare’s language feels natural, even done in American accents. Rosalind’s does have a slight British inflection though.

Sally Boyett does a wonderful job as director and choreographer, incorporating lots of beautiful movements. Touchstone and Jaques’ literal “thrusts and parries” and the comic action between Rosalind, Orlando, Phebe, and Silvius are particularly fun to watch. The combination of Shakespeare and bluegrass works surprisingly well, showing how adaptable his work is. Be sure to catch it (and bring bug spray)!

Running Time: Approximately two hours 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

As You Like It plays through July 24, 2022, presented by Classic Theatre of Maryland performing outdoors at the Gresham Estate – 784 Central Avenue East, Edgewater, MD. For tickets ($55–$68), visit Classic Theatre of Maryland’s website.

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