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As You Like It
NORTHERN LIGHTS After four years of presenting some of the best classic, contemporary and original theater in north Orange County, The Chance Theater has taken its first foray into the works of William Shakespeare. "As You Like It," is a story of battling brothers, Dukes, daughters and nieces banished… and finding the joy of living a simple life in the forest. Along the way there is wrestling, betrayal, love at first sight, a beautiful woman masquerading as a young boy, four weddings and a clarinet. Directed by Jocelyn A. Brown, the Chance's version of "As You Like It" has been updated to pre civil war Maryland and incorporates many of the themes of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. As in Shakespeare's original, the essence of nature, God and the individual are explored. Brown, The Chance Theater's Literary Manager, studied directing, acting and singing at U.C. San Diego and the University of East Anglia, in England. This is her third time directing at the Chance - the critically acclaimed "Confirmation" being her last. Brown is a stylish director, who has presented 19 talented actors in 21 interesting roles. She is to be commended. The character of Rosalind - a classic beauty in every sense of the word - is played by Ramlah Frediani. The casting was perfect! Frediani lit up the room with her Ultrabright smile and charmed the audience with every tilt of her head and gesture of her hand. Even when her slip fell around her ankles, during the preview performance, Frediani remained the perfect lady. Waiting until the action was away from her down stage, she demurred behind a flat, and quickly reemerged, with garments and dignity intact. Frediani began her career as an intern at Shakespeare Santa Cruz and has studied acting at U.C. Berkeley. She had to be what Shakespeare had in mind while writing the role: Spunky and stunning, she left a lasting impression. In a cast too numerous to mention, other major standouts included: Erika Ceporius and Joseph Horn, for getting the tricky Shakespearean dialogue consistently right, while selling the content with their considerable acting skills. Dimas Diaz and Allison Mangrum, were energetic and came across as very appealing on many levels. And, Lisa C. Zaradich's lovely singing voice added to an evening of pure pleasure. Saving the best for last, Paul A. Castellano, as Jaques, got to deliver one of the most memorable of Shakespeare's soliloquies - "All the world's a stage..." Castellano underplayed it nicely, while letting the impact of the words be felt. Recalling our "entrances and exits," while in our lives "each man plays many parts," Castellano modulated his voice beautifully and the content seemed heart-felt. It was sensitive, sensible and a master turn. Bravo! ..."As You Like It" is
The Chance Theater's first shot at Shakespeare and, judging from the overwhelmingly
positive results, it won't be their last. A classic piece of literature,
beautiful costumes, outstanding acting and ambitious programming make
this show an evening to remember. Whether you are a Shakespearean scholar
or a neophyte it is accessible to all and a whole lot of fun. Did I like
it? You bet. Would I recommend it? I just did. William Shakespeare's "As
You Like It" - The title is an accurate assessment of what to expect
and a spot on review!
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ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER Many of Shakespeare's plays translate well to different times and places, so why not transfer his light, romantic comedy "As You Like It" to the forests of Maryland, circa 1861? That's director Jocelyn A. Brown's concept in a new staging at The Chance Theater in Anaheim Hills. Brown draws parallels between the play's themes and the writings of American poet-philosophers Emerson and Thoreau, and their views on nature and on man's relationship to God. The basic plot has the evil Frederick usurping his older brother's dukedom. He banishes Duke Senior to the forest of Arden, where he and his loyal followers enjoy the simple pleasures of a rustic existence. Soon, Frederick also banishes his niece Rosalind, Senior's beloved daughter, who disguises herself as a young man named "Ganymede." Rosalind's loyal cousin Celia joins Rosalind in the forest, posing as her sister, "Aliena." Meanwhile, the story's lovestruck young hero, Orlando, arrives in Arden to escape the wrath of his brother Oliver, sent by Frederick to kill him. Shakespeare eventually introduces three other couples, but the focus is on Orlando's unwitting courtship of the disguised Rosalind. ...the show looks good, is light and funny where it's supposed to be and is entertaining overall. Ramlah Frediani and Joseph Horn are outstanding as Rosalind and Orlando. Frediani is enchanting as the maidenly Rosalind taken by Orlando, blown away by her own forwardness in allowing Orlando to "practice" his courtship of Rosalind on her in her male guise of Ganymede, a well-written thrust and-parry affair. Horn's Orlando is indeed gentle yet thick, less "noble and learned" than scripted but more than convincing in showing Orlando's drunkenness with love. As Celia, Erika Ceporius is as captivating as Frediani and Horn. She and Frediani have a pleasing family resemblance and a sisterly rapport that underscores the ease of both actresses in their respective roles. Dimas Diaz has many good moments as Touchstone, the clownish, colorful and often audacious courtier who accompanies Rosalind and Celia into the forest. Brian Page is soft-spoken and wise as Duke Senior... Most of the forest scenes are bracketed with appearances by forest-dwellers Tambre and Amiens, nicely played by Nicole Alicia Watson and Lisa C. Zaradich. Zaradich sings traditional songs that set the scene, from "Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind" to "Wedding Is Great Juno's Crown," plus "It Was a Lover and his Lass," which she, Brown and Lina El-Hayek co-wrote. But Watson's clarinet playing adds genuine depth to these pieces, even including a few bars of "Dixie." Matt Deller's fight choreography adds authenticity
to the scenes where Orlando squares off against wrestler Charles. Ceporius'
elaborate costumes are a definite asset, grounding this staging firmly
in late 19th-century America. Robyn D. Fishman's set design is also a
plus, using sliding panels depicting trees or solid walls to indicate
the changes in setting.
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