The reopening of the California Shakespeare Theater's production of "As You Like It" marked a significant moment in the theater's history, as it finally emerged from a multi-year hiatus caused by the pandemic. The 50-year-old company had been dormant for several years, with Artistic Director Eric Ting departing and Clive Worsley taking over as executive director.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of the production was finally alleviated thanks to a successful emergency fundraising campaign. However, despite the excitement surrounding its reopening, "As You Like It" has received mixed reviews. Director Elizabeth Carter's stylized approach to the production, which includes a dance routine choreographed by MaryBeth Cavanaugh, has been praised, as has her casting choices.
Jed Parsario's performances as the wrestler Charles and the meek shepherd who is hopelessly in love with Phoebe... for example, have been particularly noteworthy. However, not all elements of the production have received equal praise. The early scenes between Sofia Ahmad as Celia and Sam Jackson as Rosalind have been criticized for feeling forced, and Jackson's struggles to appear masculine in disguise have been noted.
Wiley Naman Strasser's portrayal of Orlando has also been deemed overly earnest and humorless. But then, Stacy Ross's performance as Jaques, the melancholy and philosophical old man, has been praised for its wit and humor. As SFGATE notes, Ross's presence on stage... even when playing secondary roles, is described as "pretty much all that matters." Catherine Castellanos's performances in multiple roles have also been highlighted for her powerful voice.
Despite some drawbacks, the production's reopening marks a significant step forward for the California Shakespeare Theater, "and it will be interesting to see how the company recovers from its prolonged hiatus." As reported by SFGATE, the mixed reviews of "As You Like It" are just the beginning of the conversation surrounding the reopening of the California Shakespeare Theater.
As the company looks to rebuild and reinvent itself, "the response to this production will provide valuable insight into its future direction."
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* *Asia
*: "Tokyo's Iconic Shibuya Crossing to Get a Stationary Stage Makeover" - The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced plans to transform the famous Shibuya Crossing into a stationary stage, complete with a large screen and seating area, to further develop the area into a vibrant entertainment hub. (Source: Japan Times) * *Europe
*: "Paris Opera to Launch Virtual Reality Experiences" - The Paris Opera has partnered with French startup, Palarelle, to create immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences for viewers worldwide. The program will allow audiences to explore the opera house and watch performances in a fully immersed environment. (Source: The Guardian) * *Africa
*: "Nairobi's National Museum to Host Major Contemporary Art Exhibition" - The National Museum of Kenya is set to host a major contemporary art exhibition... featuring works by over 20 local artists. The exhibition aims to promote Kenyan art and culture, as well as provide a platform for emerging artists. (Source: The East African) * *North America
*: "LA's Getty Center to Open New Outdoor Sculpture Garden" - The Getty Center in Los Angeles is set to unveil a new outdoor sculpture garden, featuring over 20 large-scale works by prominent international artists. The garden aims to provide a unique and interactive viewing experience for visitors. (Source: Los Angeles Times) * *South America
*: "Rio de Janeiro's Carnival Parade to be Held in August" - Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions... Rio de Janeiro's famous Carnival parade has been rescheduled for August. The event, normally held in February, "is a major tourist attraction and cultural phenomenon in Brazil." (Source: The Rio Times) * *Oceania
*: "Sydney's Opera House to Host World Premiere of New Musical" - The Sydney Opera House is set to host the world premiere of a new musical, "Between Two Waves," written by Australian composer and playwright, "Nick Enright." The musical tells the story of a young woman's journey between two distant lands and explores themes of identity and belonging. (Source: The Sydney Morning Herald)
Here is the bios of Catherine Castellanos and Stacy Ross: Catherine Castellanos is a versatile actress who has honed her craft in multiple roles. With a powerful voice, she brings depth and emotional resonance to each character she portrays. Her work on stage is highly regarded, and her multiple roles in California Shakespeare Theater's "As You Like It" showcase her remarkable range.
Stacy Ross is a local treasure and a highly respected actor in the Bay Area theatre scene. With a wit and humor that shines through in his portrayal of Jaques... he brings a sense of authority and gravitas to the stage. His unique chemistry with audiences and fellow actors makes his performances truly unforgettable.
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