“As You Like It” is Shakespeare in the Park comedy
Laugh along with the Bard in Port Townsend’s waterfront Chetzemoka Park
LEFT: Orlando (Jesse Olson) is a young gentleman of the
kingdom who falls in love at first sight of Rosalind in Key City
Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park production of the
comedy “As You Like It,” opening Aug. 1 in Port Townsend’s
Chetzemoka Park.
Photo by Eligius Wolodkewitsch / KCPT
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Port Townsend, Wash.—“All the world’s a stage” for the first
three weekends in August, as Key City Public Theatre (KCPT)
presents “As You Like It,” one of William Shakespeare's most
frequently performed comedies, in the magical outdoor setting of
Port Townsend’s waterfront Chetzemoka Park.
Chance encounters, entangled love affairs, bumbling, tumbling
shepherds and even a couple of sheep will delight audiences at
KCPT’s annual Shakespeare in the Park production, a richly
staged, family-friendly event that has become a beloved summer
entertainment tradition.
Opening Friday, Aug. 1, “As You Like It” is the fourth mainstage
production of Key City Public Theatre’s 50th anniversary season
and is generously sponsored by General Pavement Management. It
is a pay-what-you-wish performance, with a suggested donation of
$15 ($10 for students).
The twisting plot laced with slapstick humor brings both comedy
and satire to the timeless dilemma of city versus country life.
“This play includes some of Shakespeare’s most clever and witty
banter,” says Director Denise Winter. “It provides a lot of
comic opportunity for our cast of veteran Shakespeare actors.”
In “As You Like It,” Duke Frederick (David Wayne Johnson) has
seized power and exiled his older brother, Duke Senior (David
Speck). The elder duke’s daughter Rosalind (Jennifer Ewing) has
been permitted to remain at court because she is the closest
friend and cousin of Frederick’s only child, Celia (Sophie Pipia).
Meanwhile, Orlando (Jesse Olson), a young gentleman of the
kingdom who has fallen in love at first sight of Rosalind, is
forced to flee his home after being persecuted by his older
brother, Oliver (Caleb Dearing). Frederick becomes angry and
banishes Rosalind from court. Celia and Rosalind decide to flee
together accompanied by the jester Touchstone (Jay Page), with
Rosalind disguised as a young man—leading to a series of
misadventures in mistaken identities.
The part of Rosalind, which has been called Shakespeare’s
greatest role for a woman, is magnificently filled by Port
Townsend High School graduate Jennifer Ewing. The past KCPT
scholarship winner returns from her studies at the New York
Academy of Dramatic Arts to take the stage in her hometown. “I
wanted to have the summer off from acting,” says Ewing, “but ‘As
You Like It’ is my favorite Shakespeare play and I couldn’t pass
up the opportunity to play Rosalind!”
The troupe of 25 local actors also includes Doug Taylor as
Jaques, Rosaletta Curry as Mme. Le Beau and Jack O’Connor as
Adam. Starring as shepherds are Christina Carpentier as Audrey,
Sam Cavallaro as Silvius and Becky Plant as Phoebe.
Nearly one third of the cast is under age 14. These young actors
are Liz Dennison, Karynna Eichmann, Emily Huntingford, Tanner
Matkins, Olivia Noelle, Jason Noltemeier and Forrest Walker.
As always, the Shakespeare in the Park production promises
lavish costumes by Erin McNamara and quirky scenic elements
designed by Lynne Averill.
“As You Like It” is performed with an intermission and is
approximately two hours in length. Audience members are
encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating on the
grass and to dress warmly for when the sun goes down. There will
be a limited number of blankets available for rental. Picnic
fare is welcome and light refreshments will be available at the
concession stand, with proceeds supporting KCPT’s scholarship
fund.
For those
with limited mobility, Discovery Bay Golf Club will be providing
golf-cart transport from the park entrance at Jackson and Blaine
streets down the hill to the performance venue. Sound
amplification of the performance is provided.
“As You Like It” runs at August 1-17 at Chetzemoka Park in Port
Townsend. Performances are Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6
p.m.; seating begins at 5:30 p.m. There are no advance tickets;
the suggested donation is $15 general and $10 for students.
Bring your season tickets, FLEXpass vouchers or gift passes to
the park to exchange for admission.
Pay-what-you-wish performances for KCPT’s 2008 mainstage season
are sponsored by the Port Townsend Arts Commission to encourage
accessibility to quality live theatre for and by the community.
For more
about the show or schedule, call the KCPT show info line at
360-385-7396 or visit the show
page.
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