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Capital City Players play it straight in Shakespeare's ‘As You Like It'
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By Kris Hilgedick
khil@newstribune.com
This year the Capital City Players will be offering a traditional interpretation of “As You Like It” in their 18th annual production of Shakespeare in the Park. Traditional, as in bodices, tunics, stockings and ....
“These are not pants!” cried Neil Cordray, playing the character Le Beu, at practice this week. “These are honest-to-God pantaloons!”
Cordray made the discovery while he and several other young actors were unpacking boxes of donated, medieval-style clothing.
For small local theater companies, coming up with expensive period costumes is a perpetual struggle. But this year, three-time festival director Melle Richardson decided upon a more traditional approach to “appease the crowd,” although she personally believes Shakespeare is timeless.
To boost the production, Richardson is pursuing sponsorships and is hopeful a permanent stage - which she believes also could be used for concerts and other public events - can be erected soon in Memorial Park. The former platform was destroyed last winter by inclement weather.
Richardson said she selected “As You Like It” because of its light-hearted nature. The play - written around 1600 - has little of the obvious darkness seen in Shakespeare's other mature comedies.
The play also features one of Shakespeare's most well-developed female leads - Rosalind, played by Bethany Belt.
“In the beginning, she's upset that her uncle has banished her from court life,” Belt said.
To escape, she and close friend Celia (Katie McDaniel) conceal their appearances and hide in the Arden Forest. In order to travel safely in the forest, Rosalind pretends to be a man named Ganymede; Celia pretends to be impoverished. Soon, Celia encounters her true love, Orlando (Keegan Huckfeldt).
“Instead, he finds Ganymede,” explains Belt.
Although Orlando doesn't recognize his lover, he seeks counsel from his new acquaintance regarding matters of the heart. At first dismayed, Rosalind realizes she can use the ruse to her advantage.
Other key players are the Duke (Larry Archer), Oliver (Justin Wright), Touchstone (Alex Carpenter), Amiens (Chris Whayne), Corin (Kerry Cordray), Audrey (Rachel Cook), Phebe (Michal Blackburn), Sylvius (Michael Hoeller) and Adam (Robin Wyss).
A key commentator in the play is Jacques (Matt Henrickson) - a “melancholy fellow.”
When all the other characters are swooning with love, Jacques is different.
The play will be presented Wednesday, July 9, through Saturday, July 12, in Memorial Park. A pre-show, performed by Shakespeare Theater Camp kids, is scheduled at 7 p.m., followed by “As You Like It” at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and concessions will be available.
For more information, visit www.capitalcityplayers.com.
“These are not pants!” cried Neil Cordray, playing the character Le Beu, at practice this week. “These are honest-to-God pantaloons!”
Cordray made the discovery while he and several other young actors were unpacking boxes of donated, medieval-style clothing.
For small local theater companies, coming up with expensive period costumes is a perpetual struggle. But this year, three-time festival director Melle Richardson decided upon a more traditional approach to “appease the crowd,” although she personally believes Shakespeare is timeless.
To boost the production, Richardson is pursuing sponsorships and is hopeful a permanent stage - which she believes also could be used for concerts and other public events - can be erected soon in Memorial Park. The former platform was destroyed last winter by inclement weather.
Richardson said she selected “As You Like It” because of its light-hearted nature. The play - written around 1600 - has little of the obvious darkness seen in Shakespeare's other mature comedies.
The play also features one of Shakespeare's most well-developed female leads - Rosalind, played by Bethany Belt.
“In the beginning, she's upset that her uncle has banished her from court life,” Belt said.
To escape, she and close friend Celia (Katie McDaniel) conceal their appearances and hide in the Arden Forest. In order to travel safely in the forest, Rosalind pretends to be a man named Ganymede; Celia pretends to be impoverished. Soon, Celia encounters her true love, Orlando (Keegan Huckfeldt).
“Instead, he finds Ganymede,” explains Belt.
Although Orlando doesn't recognize his lover, he seeks counsel from his new acquaintance regarding matters of the heart. At first dismayed, Rosalind realizes she can use the ruse to her advantage.
Other key players are the Duke (Larry Archer), Oliver (Justin Wright), Touchstone (Alex Carpenter), Amiens (Chris Whayne), Corin (Kerry Cordray), Audrey (Rachel Cook), Phebe (Michal Blackburn), Sylvius (Michael Hoeller) and Adam (Robin Wyss).
A key commentator in the play is Jacques (Matt Henrickson) - a “melancholy fellow.”
When all the other characters are swooning with love, Jacques is different.
The play will be presented Wednesday, July 9, through Saturday, July 12, in Memorial Park. A pre-show, performed by Shakespeare Theater Camp kids, is scheduled at 7 p.m., followed by “As You Like It” at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and concessions will be available.
For more information, visit www.capitalcityplayers.com.
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