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Arts & Culture

Department of Drama Presents ‘As You Like It’

Friday, April 29, 2022, By Joanna Penalva
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College of Visual and Performing ArtsDepartment of DramaSyracuse Stage

artwork for SU Drama production of "As You Like It"The Department of Drama presents the final show of the 2021/2022 season with “As You Like It,” a ravishing new musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic story by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery. The production, directed by Rodney Hudson, will perform in the Storch Theater at the Syracuse Stage/SU Drama Complex, 820 E. Genesee St., April 30 to May 7.

Named as one of the best shows by The New York Times in 2017, “As You Like It” is an immersive fairytale experience that touches upon feuding families and lovers in disguise. Forced from their homes, Orlando, Duke Senior, his daughter Rosalind and niece 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. This show is a celebration of community, togetherness and diversity.

“This production of ‘As You Like It’ is a declaration of love,” says Rodney Hudson, director. “While it seems that American society has become more accepting and inclusive of the LGBTQI+ community, governmental policies have shown that the country needs more growth than some are willing to accept.”

Hudson is passionate about issues of equality in the LGBTQI+ community and relates this story to the current and unjust Parental Rights in Education bill. He adds, “As a declaration of love, this production of ‘As You Like It’ investigates how we, as humans, accept the love around us and showcases the various forms love can have. We ask you the question, ‘Who can love?’ and invite you to join us on the journey as we find the answer.”

The original story of “As You Like It” is believed to be written in 1599 and published in the First Folio in 1623. In the summer of 2017, with collaborators Taub and Sonya Tayeh, Woolery directed this new musical adaptation of “As You Like It” at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater with 200 New Yorkers as part of the The Public Theater’s Public Works Program. Founded by Woolery in 2015, the Public Works at The Public Theater is an initiative that seeks to engage the people of New York by making them creators and not just spectators. Working with partner organizations in all five boroughs, Public Works invites members of diverse communities to join in the creation of ambitious works of participatory theater.

COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

Masks are required at all times by everyone regardless of vaccination status, except while eating or drinking in designated areas. Food and drink will not be permitted in the auditorium.

“As You Like It” 

A musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”

  • Adapted by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery
  • Music and lyrics by Shaina Taub
  • Orchestrations and band arrangements by Mike Brun
  • Directed by Rodney Hudson
  • Music directed by Brian Cimmet
  • Choreography by Felipe Panamá
  • Scenic design by Kristina Fosmire
  • Costume design by Amaan Khan
  • Lighting design by Em Stripling
  • Sound design by Jacqueline R. Herter
  • Wig design by Michael A. King
  • Fight choreography by Alec Barbour
  • Assistant music director: Jacob Stebly
  • Dramaturg: Puaseisei Patu-Tanielu
  • Stage manager: Emma Yehle

Cast

  • Malaika Wanjiku Jaques
  • Alexandra Kafrissen Rosalind
  • Thomas Riggleman Orlando
  • Samantha Harnick Celia
  • Kevin Ilardi Oliver
  • Dylan Knight Weaver Duke Senior
  • Ian Purcell Duke Frederick
  • Will Foohey Touchstone
  • Hayden Poe Andy
  • Olivia Lacie Andrews Phoebe
  • Sofia Swensen Silvia
  • Rileigh Very Mama Corin, Ensemble
  • Blaise Rossman Papa Corin, Ensemble
  • McKay Marshall Miss Amiens, Hisperia
  • Shaun Collins William, Frankie Flow, Ensemble
  • Adam Forward Bronco, Ensemble
  • Zach Simpson Adam, Caveman
  • Elana Babbitt Announcer, Ensemble
  • Corinne Ferrer Agent, Ensemble
  • Alice Meyer Little Jaques, Ensemble

Swings

Rachel Langetieg, Austin Rose

Performances

  • Friday, April 29, 8 p.m. (Preview)
  • Saturday, April 30, 8 p.m. (Opening)
  • Sunday, May 1, 2 p.m. (ASL Interpreted)
  • Wednesday, May 4, 8 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 5, 8 p.m.
  • Friday, May 6, 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 7, 2 p.m. (Open captioned)
  • Saturday, May 7, 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 8, 2 p.m.

Additional Credits

  • Puppeteers: Elana Babbitt, Shaun Collins, Kevin Ilardi, Blaise Rossmann
  • Dance Captain: Blaise Rossmann
  • Fight Captains: Adam Forward, Austin Rose
  • Assistant to the Director: Puaseisei Patu-Tanielu
  • Assistant Choreographer: Olivia Lacie Andrews
  • Additional Staging and Choreography: Olivia Lacie Andrews, Blaise Rossmann
  • Assistant Scenic Designer: Angel Wai Yan Lam
  • Associate Costume Designer: Rosario Appleton Figueira
  • Assistant Costume Designer: Ryn Gross
  • Assistant Lighting Designer: Mairead Cummins
  • Assistant Sound Designer: Malena Logan
  • Assistant Stage Managers: Emily Kellner, Maya Royston
  • Casting Assistant: Liam Bierley
  • Author

Joanna Penalva

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