Review: 'As You Like It'

Actors' Theatre scores with quirky rennovation of classic bard

By Dwayne Steward
Metromix Columbus
Associate Producer
August 31, 2009

Who knew a simple stroll through the park could be so artistically rewarding, especially after it's been taken over by Actors' Theatre Company's renovated look at Shakespeare's "As You Like It."

The theater troupe is closing its 28th season with the classic comedy, running through Sept. 6 at Schiller Park. But the show offers a refreshing double-take right from the opening scene, adopting an "Avenue Q"-style format, with a slew of puppets standing in for major roles.

Actors' head honcho John S. Kuhn teamed up with Beth Kattleman, a local puppet creator extraordinaire, to direct this never-before-scene version of the play. The inclusion of life-sized puppets actually makes Shakespeare a little easier to digest, giving it a slightly more accessible edge for younger adults.

The play follows star-crossed lovers Orlando (Ryan Hooks) and Rosalind (Liz Wheeler) and the characters they encounter on their separate journeys though the Forest of Arden, after being exiled by the evil Duke Frederick (Aaron Deuschle).

The puppeteers are definitely the stars of the show, especially Dee Shepard, who takes on a few different roles, but is particularly engaging as the wise lord Jacques. Zach Hartley, also navigating several characters, impressively takes on the vocals of three, performing throughout the play as a musical trio with two puppets at his side.

Deuschle however seems to have it the hardest, acting in two roles, as Frederick and Frederick's brother, Duke Senior. He's also the puppeteer behind the promiscuous Audrey, whose paring opposite Touchstone, played by the witty Matthew Moore, acts as much of the night's comic relief.

Hooks and Wheeler exude a giddy innocence, showing great chemistry as the title couple. Wheeler comes into her own much more after Rosalind disguises herself as man, becoming wrapped up in the drama of her deceit.

Jan Woods' beautifully colorful costumes and Victor E. Shonk's typically vibrant and large-than-life set designs, just adds to the brilliance of the overall production.

Actors' Theatre hits this one out of the park, offering a boldly updated take on a play that's, on its own, stood the test of time, making it a great choice for theater lovers and newbies alike.

"As You Like It" takes over the Schiller Park Amphitheater 8 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays until Sept. 6. Tickets are free, but donations are strongly recommended. For more information visit the Actors' Theatre Web site.