It?s new and improved Shakespeare.
The Ellicott City-based Chesapeake Shakespeare Company kicked off its 2007 summer season on June 1 with the romantic comedy “As You Like It.” The CSC aims to produce Shakespearean plays that are entertaining and accessible to everyone, and Friday night?s performance was no exception.
Many people would balk at the idea of abandoning the air-conditioned theater to watch a Shakespearean play performed live outdoors. But setamong the historic stone ruins of the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park, the CSC has arguably one of the best and most unique performance venues around. Audience members can either sit in padded folded chairs, spread out on blankets or rent a candlelit table for two.
Actors frequently acknowledge and interact with the audience, at times speaking to them directly or asking them to carry props. The beginning and intermission of the play are signaled by an actor holding up a sign with exaggerated boredom. And it?s the players themselves who change the sets.
Christina Schlegel, who plays Rosalind, unquestionably gives the best performance in the play. She speaks her lines clearly and with emotion, successfully avoiding the annoying hoity-toity voice that so many actors adopt when performing Shakespeare. It?s obvious that Schlegel understands Rosalind?s role as the voice of reason and intelligence in a play where almost every other character is an idiot.
Wayne Willinger plays a solid Orlando, seemingly lovestruck for Rosalind but clueless about women, feelings and love. But at times it seemed that Willinger was more concerned about the audience hearing his lines than being in character, which proved distracting and took away from the character?s authenticity.
Rebecca Ellis? portrayal of Rosalind?s cousin, Celia, was entertaining and spirited. She frequently garnered laughs from the audience with her comedic timing and makes it seem as if speaking in iambic pentameter is perfectly normal.
Frank B. Morman, who plays Adam, Orlando?s faithful manservant, is hilarious, using physical comedy to punch up his role.
The company will produce alternating performances in repertory of “As You Like It” and the historic play “Henry V” through July 8.
IF YOU GO
“As You Like It” and “Henry V”
» Venue: PFI Historic Park, 3691 Sarah?s Lane, Ellicott City
» When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Sunday 5 p.m. through July 8
» Tickets: $22 to $25
» Information: chesapeakeshakespeare.com
