Children’s Theatre of Charlotte Opens AS YOU LIKE IT 2/19

Children's Theatre of Charlotte presents Shakespeare's "As You Like It" from February 19-27 at ImaginOn. Intended for young adult audiences, this version of Shakespeare's wise and witty comedy about love is staged promenade style in an updated modern setting.

The production follows charming, beautiful Rosaline as, disguised as a boy for safety, she flees the intrigue and persecution of her uncle's court for the Forest of Arden. In search of her exiled father and his band of supporters, she encounters her true love Orlando, also exiled from court. Can Rosaline win his heart, disguised as she is? Rich with Shakespeare's eloquent language, this playful story about mistaken identity highlights the transformative power of love.

In this version of "As You Like It," all the world truly is a stage. In a first for Children's Theatre of Charlotte, the performance happens promenade style, with the actors and audience moving from space to space within ImaginOn's public areas. Director Matt Cosper creatively uses the architecture of ImaginOn and minimal scenic elements to contrast the conspiracy-filled court atmosphere with the pastoral freedom of the forest.

"Shakespeare remains relevant because his worldview is all encompassing," says Cosper. "The play presents us with deft portraits of every kind of love imaginable, so that the central story of Rosalind and Orlando is surrounded and contextualized by a virtual encyclopedia of love."

The cast of "As You Like It" includes fifteen talented high school students and professional adult actors Jef Bailey and Barney Baggett.

Performance times and dates are below. Because of the unique promenade staging of this production and to ensure the best audience experience, limited tickets are available. Due to strong demand, all currently scheduled performances are sold out, but Children's Theatre of Charlotte plans to add additional performances. Tickets for these additional performances will go on sale Monday, February 8.

Friday, February 19, 7:30 pm (SOLD OUT)
Saturday, February 20, 7:30 pm (SOLD OUT)
Wednesday, February 24, 7:30 pm (SOLD OUT)
Thursday, February 25, 7:30 pm (SOLD OUT)
Friday, February 26, 7:30 pm (SOLD OUT)
Saturday, February 27, 7:30 pm (SOLD OUT)

Performances will be held at ImaginOn, 300 East 7th Street. All tickets are $10.00. For tickets to the productions, call The Children's Theatre Box Office at 704-973-2828 (10 am-5 pm, Mon.-Fri.) or visit our website: www.ctcharlotte.org. For ages 12+/Grades 8+

Children's Theatre of Charlotte is supported, in part, with an Operating Grant from the Arts & Science Council, Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Inc. and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.

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