LAWRENCE — "As You Like It" by William Shakespeare kicks off the University Theatre’s spring season. This pastoral comedy, rendered in new light, plays weekends Feb. 21 through March 1 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre at Murphy Hall.
Director Mechele Leon’s adaptation brings the play into the world of 1930s Europe. The production highlights finding individual freedom in a world of political tyranny. As with many of Shakespeare’s works, this play includes humor, bawdiness, gender-bending disguises, love-struck characters overcoming odds, songs, dancing and a good dose of rustic revelry.
Leon, a longtime faculty member of the Department of Theatre & Dance, most recently directed "Spring Awakening" for University Theatre. She is working closely with Santiago Sosa, visiting assistant professor, who is serving as a text/vocal coach.
“If you love a classic, this production shows how relevant Shakespeare is for our time,” Leon said. “The Crafton-Preyer Theatre will be transformed into both the all-too-real world of fascism and the fantasy of the Forest of Arden. Audiences will follow Rosalind through the forest as she carries on a hilarious charade and ultimately finds love. Student cast members are diligently working side by side with faculty actors in key roles. Moreover, faculty choreographers are bringing their talents to the production, adding delightful dances that will show off the fruits of the newly merged Department of Theatre & Dance.”
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 22, 28 and 29 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 23 and March 1. Tickets to "As You Like It" are on sale now at the KU University Theatre box office in Murphy Hall and online at kutheatre.com. Tickets are also available by calling University Theatre at 785-864-3982. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors/KU faculty and staff, and $10 for children. KU student tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Group rates are also available.
Cast and crew members from Kansas and the Greater Kansas City area are listed below, and a full list is available with this press release online.
Kansas
Jillian Wilson, a sophomore in theatre performance from Chanute, as Audrey.
Andrew Bemis, a junior in theatre performance from Chapman, as Lord 1.
Elijah Olson, a sophomore in theatre performance from Hiawatha, as Lord 2.
Michael Ostermann, a junior in chemical engineering and theatre performance from Lawrence, as Orlando.
Elsa Bernauer, a senior in English and theatre performance from Leawood, as Rosalind.
Matthew Reynolds, a senior in theatre performance from Overland Park, as Duke Frederick.
Adam Baughman, a senior in theatre performance from Shawnee, as Silvius.
Dominique Lorae, a senior in theatre performance from Shawnee, as Phoebe.
Michelle Stelting, doctoral student from Topeka, as dramaturg.
Brad Mathewson, a first-year student in theatre design from Topeka, as Jaques.
India MacDonald, a first-year student in theatre performance from Topeka, as Celia.
Aubrey McGettrick, a sophomore in theatre and Spanish from Wichita, as Madame le Beau.
Missouri
Mark Nichols, a sophomore in microbiology and French, from Kansas City, Missouri, as stage manager.
Caitlin Forgione, a theatre major from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, as assistant director.
--KU--