Boom! Magazine
By Martha Keravuori and Chuck Galle
August 29, 2013
http://www.boomnc.com/boom-bits-reviews-books-movies-music-misc/hey-yall-the-bard-with-a-drawl-as-you-like-it-under-the-stars-at-rlt-by-bare-theatre-and-pine-cone/
Hey y’all – the Bard with a drawl – As You Like It under
the stars at RLT by Bare Theatre and Pine Cone
There was a technical problem at Friday night’s performance of As You Like It by William Shakespeare at the Stephenson Amphitheatre at Raleigh Little Theatre. The sound system of body mics was erratic, all too often cutting out for several seconds, and also erupting occasionally with screeches and other unpleasant noises. This was unfair to Shakespeare’s work, to the fine actors and musicians who struggled heroically through it as well as to an audience who probably knew the story well enough to suffer this discomfort. A large number of people stayed with it to support the courageous performers, although a few left during intermission. We understand the same conditions obtained opening night and had not yet been corrected. Charles Phaneuf, executor director of Raleigh Little Theatre tells us things went well Saturday night, and it appears the problem is understood and essentially solved. People who left Thursday and Friday nights’ performances may reuse their tickets or call the box office for assistance in obtaining comps for upcoming performances of the show.
Director Heather J. Strickland has located the Forest of Arden in Appalachia, and that is perfectly represented at the amphitheater with its surrounding trees encompassing the stage. The show opens with a folksy song by the Zinc Kings of Greensboro NC and a mountaineer dance that includes a bear, who will be seen further on as the wrestler Charles. It is delightful. From here the familiar story of disinherited Orlando, who acquires his older brother Oliver’s former man-servant Adam, falls in love with Rosalind, and hearing that Oliver is trying to kill him flees to Arden. Rosalind and her cousin Celia also flee to Arden, where Rosalind assumes the guise of a boy, Ganymede, and Celia becomes Ganymede’s sister Aliena. Sprinkled among the romances of Phebe and Silvius, Touchstone and Audrey, and Phebe and “Ganymede” are the problems of the exiled Duke and his retinue. Songs and dances accompanied by the Zinc Kings enliven the proceedings. These include Under The Greenwood Tree, Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind and Lover And His Lass, in which the audience is invited to sing along.
Whitney Griffin sparkles as Rosalind (Ganymede) although her gesticulations go a just a bit over the top. Rebecca Blum is wry and droll and very professional as Touchstone, the jester. Kurt Benrud does a fine job capturing Adam, the aging servant. Laura Bess Jernigan and Chuck Keith romp with glee and fervor as Phebe and Silvius, they are terrific. Sir Oliver Martext is brought to life creatively by Beverly Schieman, who also gives us a fine Le Beau. Riley Watson, who delivers Charles’ lines as the caretaker of the bear who is Charles, attracted our attention while dancing, managing the bear and as a Forest Lord. Duke Frederick is played with a noble curtness by Fred Corlett, Jeff Buckner catches the courage and humility of Orlando De Bois, and Eric Morales makes us believe the sincerity of the arc Orlando’s elder brother Oliver De Bois negotiates in his life. Noelle Barnard and Matt Fields danced up a storm for us, talk about shaking a leg! While these were outstanding, all performances were spritely, on time, and well executed.
Musical Director G. Todd Buker keeps the Appalachian allusion alive throughout the show. Delightful pre-show music is provided by Corn and The Colonels (including RLT Executive Director Charles Phaneuf on clarinet and sax). Outstanding choreography is achieved by Leslie Fields and Matt Fields. Costumes are a wonderful mixture of hillbillies and city sophisticates, and a bear (!), with credit due to Megan Mercer Borne and Loren Armitage.
As You Like It is a fun way to bookend the summer for Bare Theatre at RLT, which opened in May with Comedy of Errors. It can be seen at RLT’s Stephenson Amphitheatre through August 30th at 8:pm. For ticket and other info call 919.821.3111 or go to raleighlittletheatre.org
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