Eclectic Full Contact Theatre Presents AS YOU LIKE IT Review – Finding the Comedy in Shakespeare

If you’re one of those people who rarely see the humor in Shakespeare’s comedies, this production of AS YOU LIKE IT will bring it to light. Physical comedy, as well as the usual delicious wordplay, all jump out of this production. You will never question it again.

EXPLORING GENDER ROLES

Those familiar with the story, as well as other Shakespearean comedies, know that mistaken identity generally plays a large role. This production uses that to tackle the issue of gender identities and society’s pressure to conform to those roles. The action is set in the 1980’s and still gives the simplistic delight of the original romantic romp. Adding this layer of gender identity, however, gives the story a substantial, but never heavy handed, bit of heft.

ECLECTIC FULL CONTACT THEATRE’S COMMITMENT TO BOLDNESS

The setting of the 1980’s gives the production a newness that would be entertaining even if the rest of the production were lacking, which it is certainly not. Along with the fun of the story, the audience is treated to lighting reminiscent of the Lite Brite (80’s kids?), large shoulder pads, boomboxes and even original music written using Shakespeare’s dialogue in the style of 80’s rap.

Katherine Siegel, directer and co-artistic director of the company, finds the comedy in this familiar piece. She has assembled a cast that is skilled at both physical comedy, as well as hitting the humor of the dialogue. The fluidity of the piece moves gracefully and never loses sight of the unique and amazing vision.

A CAST FULL OF TALENT

The anchor of this play is the relationship between Rosalind and Orlando, played by Chloe Baldwin and Aja Singletary respectively. Baldwin tackles the role of Rosalind aggressively and the result is astounding. She plays both sides of the gender role coin, both with confidence and hilarity, and shows the illusion of these imagined societal roles. Singletary, playing a role originally intended for a man, makes you wonder how this play could ever work if Orlando were actually man. She absolutely owns this role. Laura Carney is a master at showing disdain as the exiled Jacques. Her deadpan delivery and facial expressions will make you glad this production allows the close proximity to the actors.