Shakespeare Review - As You like It

As you like it, so it will end. The theme of this play, one of Shakespeare's more light-hearted works, is one of happy endings and neat resolutions. The script leads you through difficulties, mix-ups, and the characteristic confused identities that feature so constantly in Shakespeare's comedies; and all of the twists and tangles unravel in the climax, leaving the main players paired off for their happily-ever-after's and the viewer with a warm fuzzy feeling.

Although I enjoyed the play, I was not entirely impressed by this years casting, acting, or directing. I must confess that "As You Like It" has never been one of my favorite plays; although it is the classic example of Shakespeare's theme of confused identities in romance, excepting perhaps Twelfth Night. The plot is entertaining but somewhat shallow, with stark stereotype roles and flat antagonists (one of whom makes a nice, neat, conversion, becoming a good guy later in the story.)

Shakespeare director J.R. Sullivan is definitely making his mark, in what seems to be a deliberate departure from past productions. He chose to set the play in a more modern context, choosing costumes from the late 30's and sleek, minimalist scenery and backdrops. Sullivan explains his costume choice as a parallel between Shakespeare's time and the great depression, comparing "the unique complexities and violent contrasts" of the two eras. He goes on to claim that the underlying fear in the consciousness of the Great Depression was similar to the fear and unrest during the late 1500's. A good theory, but I was unimpressed; the contrast of royalty, poverty, and country life was unconvincing when rendered in depression costume and stylization. I was particularly turned off by the wrestling scene, which almost recalled to me the vulgarity of WWF or a rodeo wrestling match.