2018 Production: As You Like It
July 20 - August 5
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Pre-show at 6:00pm, Production at 6:30pm
About As You Like It:
As You Like It is a pastoral play which illustrates the juxtaposition of Court life to life in the country. Mostly set in the Forest of Ardenne, it works perfectly in beautiful Webster's Wood’s Art Park.
The play is about love, in all its forms. It also speaks to the concept that people are not always what they appear to be and that “the heart wants what the heart wants” – no matter the packaging. There are many other sub-themes such as betrayal between brothers, injustice, the inconstancy of life and situation, forgiveness and the ability of people to change.
The heroine, Rosalind, daughter of a betrayed and banished Duke, must flee her life at court to dress as a young man (Ganymede) and travel with her companions Celia (her beloved cousin) and the clown, Touchstone, into the forest. There she discovers the freedom of life apart from the rigidity of court and the expectations of being a "woman" in that world. She realizes herself as an intelligent, witty, and capable person as she charms her love, Orlando, and others, in teaching the ways of love.
There are many memorable characters in the delightful play: the kindly old Duke Senior, the feisty shepherdesses, the minstrel Amiens, and the melancholy Jacques who delivers the well-known “all the world is a stage” monologue.
As You Like It is one of Shakespeare’s lighter works and is meant to be enjoyed as a frolic and respite from the harsh world. Even as there are villains and conflict, there is also folly, humor, song, and engaging characters to play out the simple joys of country life "...to fleet the time carelessly, as they did in the golden world".
The play is about love, in all its forms. It also speaks to the concept that people are not always what they appear to be and that “the heart wants what the heart wants” – no matter the packaging. There are many other sub-themes such as betrayal between brothers, injustice, the inconstancy of life and situation, forgiveness and the ability of people to change.
The heroine, Rosalind, daughter of a betrayed and banished Duke, must flee her life at court to dress as a young man (Ganymede) and travel with her companions Celia (her beloved cousin) and the clown, Touchstone, into the forest. There she discovers the freedom of life apart from the rigidity of court and the expectations of being a "woman" in that world. She realizes herself as an intelligent, witty, and capable person as she charms her love, Orlando, and others, in teaching the ways of love.
There are many memorable characters in the delightful play: the kindly old Duke Senior, the feisty shepherdesses, the minstrel Amiens, and the melancholy Jacques who delivers the well-known “all the world is a stage” monologue.
As You Like It is one of Shakespeare’s lighter works and is meant to be enjoyed as a frolic and respite from the harsh world. Even as there are villains and conflict, there is also folly, humor, song, and engaging characters to play out the simple joys of country life "...to fleet the time carelessly, as they did in the golden world".
Enjoying Your Experience
- Cost: Free! Donations encouraged.
- Parking: Please carpool as parking is limited.
- Seating: Blankets and low lawn chairs.
- Food: *Bring a picnic. (Please "leave no trace").
- Pets: Service animals only.
- Restrooms: Onsite.
- Photos & Video: Allowed during performance.
* No glass containers or outside alcohol will be permitted.
Please consider donating to keep Shakespeare free to your community. It may be free today, but it might not be free tomorrow.
"I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks." - Shakespeare
At the heart of our success is a dedicated group of volunteers. If you enjoy outdoor theater, while working with a fun, dynamic group of people, then please consider volunteering.
2017 Production: Much Ado About Nothing
About Much Ado About Nothing:Pre show:
The pre-show in Webster’s Woods, co-written and performed by our young students, is your chance to learn the plot of Much Ado About Nothing. In addition, you'll become familiar with some of Shakespeare's language, and enjoy some of the wackiest, silliest antics we have ever presented. Shakespeare himself makes an appearance in this delightful romp, and a 15 minute version of Much Ado will be presented in modern English. Production:
Much Ado About Nothing is set in the 1950's, with fun and color to spare. We open with a group of soldiers and their prince having returned from war, to stay with a prosperous family. Mayhem ensues. While this play is certainly a comedy, it explores very dark themes and portrays a great deal of suffering. The plot takes a devastating turn, but the fast pace, heightened humor and satisfying resolution mean the overall tone of the play is one of romantic, silly joy and irrepressible zest for life. |
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2016 Production: The Tempest
All images copyright Imagination to Imagery Photography. Find them at: www.eye2eyeimagery.com
About The Tempest:A great storm shipwrecks the King of Naples, the Duke of Milan, and all their cronies on a strange and menacing island. Safe, but each grieving the loss of those who were separated, the castaways are unaware that powerful magic is behind their troubles, and a powerful wizard is bent on revenge.
Prospero, sorcerer and rightful Duke of Milan, was banished by his brother and marooned on the island when his daughter was an infant. He is determined to right the wrongs he suffered, and restore the birthright of his daughter, now grown into a beautiful young lady. Aided by the magical inhabitants of the island, Prospero leads his victims through miserable and enormously entertaining misadventures. But can he foil a plot against his own life, and learn the gift of empathy after so many years of bitterness and rage? |
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2015 Production: A Midsummer Night's Dream
About A Midsummer Night's Dream:Written in the mid-1590s, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most delightful creations. He draws from Greek mythology with many references to Greek gods and goddesses. A Midsummer Night's Dream explores the nature of romantic love. Its conclusion? The pursuit of love has the capacity to make us irrational and foolish. This play is the product of Shakespeare’s imagination and we get a front-row seat to experience all the different ways each character perceives reality and love.
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