As You Like It at Sidney Harman Hall

Last night my partner and I attended a performance of William Shakespeare's As You Like It by the Shakespeare Theatre Company at Sidney Harman Hall.
Thanks to some confusion over the location of Sidney Harman Hall and parking difficulties (which I'll admit were my fault) we did not make the curtain, but were seated by the end of the first scene.*

Directed by Tony Award-winner Maria Aitken, The Shakespeare Theatre's current production takes a look at Shakespeare's romantic rump in its original role as entertainment. Presented in imitation of classic American historical films, Aitken takes the audience through an evolving trip that emphasizes both the nature of performance itself, and the universality of Shakespeare's play (which was itself borrowed from other sources, like much of his work). On a stage framed with film canisters and lit from the sides by large "cameras", the actors move through scenes beginning with a stark and Puritanical setting, and travel through pilgrims landing in North America, Valley Forge, the Civil War, the roaring 20s, and end with a number worthy of Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe, tripping through many recognizable and entertaining film styles in between. Complete with camera crews, a director, and on-stage set and costume designers, As You Like It is a theatrical spectacle of the most entertaining sort.

All major roles are well-cast, and Floyd King as Touchstone, Anjali Bhimani as Phebe and Aubrey Deeker as Silvius are especially delightful. There is wonderful chemistry between Francesca Faridany (Rosalind) and Miriam Silverman (Celia), and Andrew Long as Jaques is sure to please. However, I maintain that the best role belonged to that of the costume designer Martin Pakledinaz - with so many costume changes and so much to choose from Pakledinaz makes full use of the creative potential, and really makes each scene with a keen eye and attention to detail.

The run has been extended until December 22, and I highly recommend attending a performance before you miss your chance!

*** Photos by Scott Suchman, and borrowed from shakespearetheatre.org

*If you're ever late to a performance by the Shakespeare Theatre company, don't fret! They mark the time between scenes so they can seat late-comers without disturbing the audience members who actually plan better. As an added bonus we had purchased end-row seats, so we got in with limited fuss. Whew!