Providence, RI-What do Shakespeare, basketball and a dog in sheep's clothing all have in common? Why, they're all part of Trinity Repertory Company's newest production, As You Like It. In their thirty-fifth season, the company, known locally and nationally for their annual production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, brings to us one of Shakespeare's most laughable comedies.
However, things are not always quite what they seem at Trinity. For, in this production they have lifted the plot, the verse, and all of the literary talent right off of the page of the original work and fastened it back down again in a modern setting. With its hippies, shepherds, swing dance routines and family clans reminiscent of the mob, the cast of Trinity bounces through time, taking Shakespeare's entertainment and insight with them. The production truly demonstrates the reality of the cliché that Shakespeare is a timeless classic. His work is relevant to all generations.
To accomplish this task, Trinity has tapped into the talents of many familiar faces to its company, such as Jennifer Mudge Tucker who plays the character of Rosalind, the daughter of Duke Senior who is living in banishment. Ms. Tucker is most recently known for her starring role in St. Joan, as well as a host of other Trinity productions.
The Duke himself, as well as his brother, is portrayed by none other than Trinity's own Timothy Crowe. Mr. Crowe has appeared in over 80 roles for Trinity alone and has directed two productions for the company.
Eric Tucker, another face not unfamiliar to Trinity fans, plays the part of Orlando, the son of Sir Rowland de Boys who falls madly in love with Rosalynd and is then banished himself. Mr. Tucker portrays Orlando as the comedic, playful and hearty youth that he is, while at the same time allowing the tenderness of his love for Rosalynd to shine bright.
Other notable cast members included: Janice Duclos, portraying a homely, yet unpredictably humorous country girl; Barbara Meek as Corin, a shepherdess who is always willing to give thoughtful advice or maybe sing a little gospel tune and Anne Scurria who plays Jacques, the attendant of Duke Senior that at the end of the play, teaches the entire cast a lesson. Sucrria's endless commentary throughout the production do much to add to its comedic value.
Mixing such musical selections as those from Shakespeare's own time with tunes from the 60's and Big Band and Folk eras, musicians Kevin Fallon, Rachel Maloney and Chris Turner draw the audience into the production to become part of it. Who ever heard of clapping along with the gospel choir at a theatrical performance? Certainly no one would ever try it at the Globe Theatre in England, but it seems that anything goes at Trinity.
All in all, the show is well worth any money spent and deserves a true thumbs-up for any audience. If you've never really liked Shakespeare because it appears dry, this show's for you. I guarantee you'll have a renewed sense of what the bard has been trying to tell us for all these years.
As you Like It will be performed through March 7th at the Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island. Ticket prices range from $24-$34 with various discounts. Call the Trinity box office at (401) 351-4242.