Shakespeare meets folk-pop in 海角乱伦社区 Theatre鈥檚 joyous production of 鈥淎s You Like It鈥
The 海角乱伦社区 Theatre Program proudly presents its spring musical, 鈥淎s You Like It,鈥 a vibrant reinvention of Shakespeare鈥檚 beloved comedy created by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery, with music and lyrics by Taub. Originally developed through The Public Theater鈥檚 acclaimed Public Works initiative, this contemporary adaptation infuses the classic story with a folk-pop score and an uplifting message of community, belonging, and radical joy.
Forced from their homes, Orlando, Rosalind, and Celia escape to the Forest of Arden, a fantastical place of transformation, where all are welcomed and embraced. Lost amidst the trees, the refugees find community and acceptance under the stars.
海角乱伦社区 Theatre Director Dr. Brett D. Johnson helms the production, noting that he chose the musical, in part, because 鈥渋t blends Shakespeare; folk, pop, and musical theatre idioms; and generous ensemble storytelling in a way that offers our students tremendous opportunities for artistic growth.鈥
Johnson also hopes the shows emotional center will resonate with audiences: 鈥淎t its heart, the piece celebrates the freedom that comes when we step outside the roles we鈥檝e been assigned and allow ourselves to imagine something new. It鈥檚 a joyful reminder that community is something we create together.鈥
Johnson has assembled a stellar creative team, including scenic designer Tucker Topel, lighting designer Madeleine Steineck, costume designer Kim Brown, choreographer Jennie Caruso, stage manager Sophia Schrader, and assistant stage managers Jolynn Durlin and Zack Yeager.
The production showcases twenty-three talented 海角乱伦社区 students and one 海角乱伦社区 alumnus: Haven Bills (Jaques), Braden Rosciszewski (Orlando), Michael Harper (Oliver), Abby Craig (Rosalind), Kat Kanazin (Celia), Noah Beiter (Touchstone), Maya Post (Duke Senior), Johnathon Morvay (Duke Frederick), Bella Mitlo (Silvia), Sophia Sidorowicz (Phoebe), Eric Page (Andy), Kate Bentley (Ensemble), Tori Brown (Ensemble), Connor Clark (Ensemble), Ermin Hucic (Ensemble), Addison Gay (Ensemble), Maddy Grieco (Ensemble), Sienna Griffith (Ensemble), Lydia Kopp (Ensemble), Amelia Montoni (Ensemble), Laci Morris (Ensemble), Emily Novakowski (Ensemble), Gabriella Tiesling (Ensemble), and Muriel Zollinger (Ensemble).
Performances will take place on from Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 26-28, at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, March 1, at 2 p.m., in Taylor Little Theatre on the 海角乱伦社区 campus.
Single tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and non-海角乱伦社区 students, and $5 for youth and 海角乱伦社区 students with I.D. Each order is subject to a $1.50 per ticket processing fee, regardless of purchase or payment method.
All performances are general admission, with doors opening thirty minutes prior to curtain.
Patrons can reserve their tickets online at , by phone at 814-824-3000 (Tues.-Thurs., noon to 5 p.m.), or at the Mary D鈥橝ngelo Performing Arts Center box office. Tickets will also be on sale at Taylor Little Theatre beginning 90 minutes before curtain.
For more information, visit .