All will “˜like’ reimagined comedy

Under the direction of Sir Peter Hall, Shakespeare’s
romantic comedy “As You Like It” has been revived in a
magical reimagination. On the play’s opening night, the
Ahmanson Theatre was filled with a diverse crowd ranging from
celebrities to college students and even teenagers, all eager to
see this highly acclaimed production.

While the name Shakespeare may scare away viewers, Hall’s
“As You Like It” is a play with an appeal that all
audiences can enjoy: fun and cheerful romance.

The main plot of “As You Like It” is relatively
simple: Rosalind falls in love with Orlando, a young man who does
not know the ways or techniques of love, and he shies away from
Rosalind for this reason. While in the forest, due to their
banishment, Rosalind and her cousin, Celia, disguise themselves as
men. Rosalind uses this disguise to “teach” Orlando how
to woo Rosalind and win her love.

This game results in a witty comedy that has won over millions
of audiences, and Hall’s expertise captures the essence of
the play marvelously. A major part of the charming ambience in
Hall’s production comes from his talented British actors who
perform their roles brilliantly. Rosalind (also known as Ganymede
later in the play) is played by Hall’s daughter, Rebecca
Hall. Audiences, as well as Orlando, will fall in love with
Rosalind, as Rebecca wonderfully embodies her character’s
carefree and loving personality. Another outstanding performance is
delivered by Philip Voss, who plays the banished King’s
servant, Jacques. With witty and sarcastic lines, just the right
actor is needed to convey his nihilism, and Voss succeeds.

A unique characteristic found in Hall’s production of
“As You Like It” is his stage settings. Settings are
simple in his production, and the first couple acts are performed
on a crate with a mat on the floor. This forces the audience into
an imaginative state that further compels them into the story. For
the Forest of Arden, where the majority of the action takes place,
Hall creatively uses lights to create a full forest; the effect is
amazing and enhances the play’s imaginative
characteristics.

Since its premiere in August 2003, Hall’s “As You
Like It” has been receiving rave reviews, and the hype does
not overstate. With a fabulous cast, imaginative settings and a
good story, Hall’s Shakespearean formula delivers a play
audiences of all levels can enjoy.

-Cristina de Leon