All the world to be a stage in Ohio State production of ‘As You Like It’

Alexis Hill
Fri, 07 Feb 2014 01:16:57 +0000
Campus, as you like it, lincoln theatre, ohio state theater, play, shakespeare, theater, theater department

All the world is set to be a stage this weekend.

Ohio State Theatre is slated to open William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” at the Lincoln Theatre Friday.

The play details the romantic misadventures of Rosalind and Orlando in the Forest of Arden after being banished from the royal court.

Maureen Ryan, director of the production and an associate professor of theatre at OSU, calls “As You Like It” a play about redemption, loss, love and community.

“It is a comedy, but one that is rooted in the high stakes of exile and banishment. We watch a witty and fun group of characters overcome their trials and ultimately find happiness and renewed fortune,” Ryan said.

Ryan said music is incorporated throughout the production and soundscapes as well, which help bring the show to life.

Kelly Hogan, a third-year in theatre, plays Celia, Rosalind’s cousin, in the production.

Hogan described Celia as a material girl, wrapped up in fashion, which is a trait Hogan said she cannot relate to, while other aspects of her character’s personality are more like her.

“She’s got a great sense of loyalty, though, and I like to think I’m loyal to my friends like she is,” Hogan said.

Hogan said the audience can expect comedic situations, and some might be touched by the romance between the characters.

Erica Beimesche, a second-year in theatre and English, is set to play the fiddler in the production.

Beimesche said the production is both heartfelt and funny.

“Our cast is fantastic, if I do say so myself. Our production and design team has come up with an intriguing concept that makes the action more interesting, while helping audience members better understand the content,” Beimesche said.

Beimesche said she encourages people of all ages to come out to see the production because “theatergoers can expect to see a Shakespearean comedy, of modest length, played with enthusiasm and thoughtfulness of its values.”

After the show, the audience will have a chance to be a part of an interactive workshop.

“Audience members will be invited to engage in some theatrical games with the cast of the play. They will experience Shakespeare on their feet, after having watched the performance,” Ryan said.

Nicholas Dekker, a theatre lecturer at OSU, said he is requiring the introductory theater class he instructs to see the production.

“It is a fun comedy and this is a trimmed down version that will be touring around Central Ohio. It’s also a great chance to see the Lincoln Theatre, if you haven’t been there before,” Dekker said.

The show is set to play Friday at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Ticket prices are $15 for the general public and $5 for students, and can be purchased at the OSU box office located on the second floor of the Drake Performance and Event Center.

Correction: A previous version of the article stated general public tickets cost $20 and student tickets cost $15. In fact, general admission tickets cost $15 and student admission tickets cost $5. ?