AS YOU LIKE IT Comes to Long Beach Playhouse in September

William Shakespeare wrote As You Like it in 1599. Themes include class distinctions, family rivalries, love, forgiveness, envy, and gender. Much of it takes place in a place called the Forest of Arden. The show’s director Michael Hernandez-Phillips, adapted the play, moved the forest to Central Park in the 1950s.

“In Michael’s adaptation, Shakespeare’s characters are reimagined as street vendors and beatniks,” said Sean Gray, Producing Artistic Director for the Playhouse. “Instead of a royal court, Rosalind, Orlando, and a band of love-struck, eccentric characters flee the rigidness and paranoia of the 5th Avenue elite.

“This show was originally planned to be produced in 2020. When the pandemic hit and we couldn't do live theater,” said Gray. “We talked to the director of the show, Michael and asked if he could do an online version, and he eagerly said yes! We are happy he now gets to do what he couldn’t do in 2020, direct the play in-person for the Studio Theater.”

Just as Shakespeare intended, his characters engage in sibling rivalry, unrequited love, assassination plots, mistaken identity, and wrestling. Playhouse costumer designer, Christina Bayer, has perfectly translated the clothing to reflect the era and the essence of each character.

The 12-member cast includes actors making their Playhouse debuts and others who are returning. Playhouse debuts are Courtney Johnson, Ben Trotter, Skylar Alexis, Ryan Hollon, Andy Justus, Zion Aguilar, Jared Gaxiola, Jacob Gerard Caldwell, and Taylar Ann. Returning are Marco Estrada, David Clark Hutchison, and Jessica Plotkin.

Executive Director, Madison Mooney, said, “It’s a roller-coaster of emotions and errors that will have the audience rooting for fools and pulling for redemption. And, with some of Shakespeare’s most memorable dialogue, this show lets the audience escape the pressures of real life into the fantasy of romantic froth.”

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

• Pay what you can Preview Thursday, August 31 - community can see this production for whatever they wish to donate, suggested donation $5
• Ten Dollar Preview Friday September 1 - Tickets are $10.00
• Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on September 2 - Tickets are $35.00 - SPONSORED BY THE PORT OF LONG BEACH

TICKET PRICES

Friday: Adults are $25.00, Seniors $20.00, and Students $20.00

Saturday and Sunday: Adults are $30.00, Seniors $25.00, and Students $20.00.

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