The Shakespeare Project of Chicago to Present Free Readings of AS YOU LIKE IT

The Shakespeare Project of Chicago kicks off its 23rd Theatrical Reading Season with free performances of Shakespeare's pastoral comedy AS YOU LIKE IT, running October 20-25, 2017, at six Chicago-area venues.

Duke Senior has been banished from court by his evil brother Duke Frederick. Soon thereafter, he banishes Senior's daughter, young princess Rosalind. Rosalind, accompanied by her cousin Celia, then disguises herself as a man and ventures into the Forest of Arden, where she encounters a memorable cast of characters - including her love, Orlando - in this witty, subversive comedy whose themes meditate on the dream of a simple life and the ideal of romantic love. J.R. Sullivan, who helmed last season's HENRY V, returns to direct.

The cast includes Matt Bowdren (Charles and Martext), Kayla Carter (Le Beau and Phoebe), Jeff Christian (Oliver), Jodi Gage (Celia), Peter Garino (Duke Senior and Duke Frederick), Lydia Berger Gray (Audrey), Shane Kenyon (Orlando), Megon McDonough (Amiens), Khnemu Menu-Ra (Silvius and Dennis), Daniel Millhouse (Jaques de Boys and Lord), Henry Michael Odum (Adam and Corin), Christopher Prentice (Touchstone), Stephen Spencer (Jaques) and Sarah Strasser (Rosalind).

The production features music and sound design by George Zahora and new music for Shakespeare's songs by Megon McDonough. Devri Chism is the assistant director and dramaturg.

Admission is free and seating is limited. All performances are preceded by an introduction to the play that commences 15 minutes prior to curtain.

Performance schedule:

• Fri., Oct. 20, 7 p.m., Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles (registration required, 847-663-1234)

• Sat., Oct. 21, 10 a.m., The Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., Chicago

• Sat., Oct. 21, 2 p.m., Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette

• Mon., Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m., Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire (registration required, 847-634-3650)

• Tue., Oct. 24, 7:15 p.m., Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect (registration required, 847-253-5675)

• Wed., Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m., Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave., Highland Park

The Shakespeare Projects's 2017/18 Theatrical Reading Season will continue in January with Shakespeare's CORIOLANUS, directed by Barbara Zahora. In February, the Project will continue its examination of the work of Shakespeare's contemporary Thomas Middleton with WOMEN BEWARE WOMEN, directed by Michelle Shupe and Kelly Lynn Hogan. The season will culminate in May with Peter Garino directing Shakespeare's comedy MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

The Shakespeare Project of Chicago's Theatrical Readings are fully staged, book-in-hand performances featuring members of Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.

For more information, visit www.shakespeareprojectchicago.org and www.facebook.com/shakespeareprojectchicago.