This is not Shakespeare as you know it! The Acting Company’s production at the New Victory theater was fun, invigorating and even hysterical at times. I have to also add that this is truly the first time I have seen a show where I felt every character was perfectly cast. Directed by Pig Iron Theatre Company’s Dan Rothenberg this modern version has a Jazz Age feel.Wheeled phonographs are used throughout the production, they add a certain flair and remind us of the era. It’s only in the second act that we open to a lush jungle scene where we can feel the director’s inspiration from Maurice Sendak’s 1963 children’s book, Where the Wild Things Are. The animal character masks in act 1 gave us a hint, but the connection was confirmed with the vibrant scenery. Yes, this is “As You Like It.”
In case you’ve forgotten your Shakespeare, In “As You Like It” the daughter of an exiled Duke, Rosalind, falls in love with Orlando. ( He is the son of the current Dukes enemy.) When Rosalind gets sent away her cousin, the Duke’s daughter, Celia joins her as they escape into the woods. Rosalind, then disguised as a man meets up with her love Orlando. They meet several clever characters and we are reminded that ” All the world is a stage…..” Sound familiar?
The New Victory Theater is beautiful, fun and affordable. It’s real New York theater and the staff is always friendly. Don’t miss “As You Like It” it won’t be around long.
Dan Rothenberg, AS YOU LIKE IT by The Acting Company at The New Victory Theater, 209 West 42nd Street, from March 1-10, 2013.
Performance Schedule: 9 performances
Fri 3/1 7pm
Sat 3/2 Sun 3/3 3pm Thu 3/7 7pm Fri 3/8 7pm
2pm and 7pm
Sat 3/9 Sun 3/10 3pm
AS YOU LIKE IT has a running time of 2 hours, including one intermission, and is recommended for everyone ages 12 and older.
General Ticket Information
Tickets for AS YOU LIKE IT at The New Victory Theater (209 West 42nd Street) cost $25, $18, $12 and $9 for Members and $38, $28, $18 and $14 for Non-members based on seat locations.
Theater-goers who buy tickets for three or more NEW VICTORY shows in the current season qualify for free Membership benefits, including up to 35-percent savings on tickets all season long. To purchase tickets online, visit NewVictory.org, and to purchase by phone, call 646-223- 3010. The New Victory Theater box office (209 West 42nd Street) is open Sunday and Monday from 11am-5pm and Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm-7pm.
For more information, visit www.newvictory.org.
Disclosure: I received tickets to this show to facilitate my review. All thoughts as always are my own.
Jenn says
I still say I am Rosalind! Thanks for being my date and what enjoyment I had watching!