As You Like It, one of Shakespeare’s most loved comedies, is performed with wit and energy by ASFA’s theatre students, giving a fresh take on this centuries-old tale on the insatiable nature of love. The strength of this production lies with its actors, who manage to deliver the Elizabethan text with poignancy that experienced Shakespeareans can appreciate, as well as a command of tone and a sprinkling of physical comedy that, while occasionally gimmicky, allows less familiar audience members to understand the heft of the play.
The two leads, Rosalind and Orlando, both give lovely performances that create a comedic, yet believable romance. Taylor Hank’s Rosalind is an absolute highlight performance here, managing to be both thoughtful and energetic, fully realizing the emotional range of the character. The lovesick Orlando, as performed by Jonathan Henderson, is rather wistful and mildly melancholy, a delivery that works beautifully during the courtship scenes, but is more awkward for parts that involve physical violence. Other highlights are Noah Dates’ Touchstone, an artful dodger-like theoretician that is the perfect blend of crass and clever, and Mary Handsome’s Duchess that becomes the perfect cackling, wicked queen acting as a great foil for the more buffoonish comedy of the play. Also notable is Josiah Schock’s hobo-esque Jacques, who delivered one of the best, meatiest ‘seven ages of man’ speeches personally seen to date.
The two leads, Rosalind and Orlando, both give lovely performances that create a comedic, yet believable romance. Taylor Hank’s Rosalind is an absolute highlight performance here, managing to be both thoughtful and energetic, fully realizing the emotional range of the character. The lovesick Orlando, as performed by Jonathan Henderson, is rather wistful and mildly melancholy, a delivery that works beautifully during the courtship scenes, but is more awkward for parts that involve physical violence. Other highlights are Noah Dates’ Touchstone, an artful dodger-like theoretician that is the perfect blend of crass and clever, and Mary Handsome’s Duchess that becomes the perfect cackling, wicked queen acting as a great foil for the more buffoonish comedy of the play. Also notable is Josiah Schock’s hobo-esque Jacques, who delivered one of the best, meatiest ‘seven ages of man’ speeches personally seen to date.