HIGH POINT, N.C., Jan. 27, 2017 – High Point University’s upcoming production of “As You Like It” will bring a magical forest to life.
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16, 18, 20, 21 and 22 in the Oasis Food Court at Oak Hollow Mall. Admission is free and no tickets are required.
In what is promised to be an immersive audience experience, HPU’s presentation of the lighthearted Shakespeare comedy will include feats of strength, wrestling, power ballad rock bands, disguise, interactive love poetry, feasting and celebrating.
“We will begin in the food court, set up in dazzling 1990s mall style, and witness the ambition and shows of strength of Duke Frederick and his court,” says Jay Putnam, associate professor and director of the show. “As our heroes are banished into the Forest of Arden, the audience will follow along. We’ll make use of the central stage to witness the various love stories that ensue. The students are having a terrific time creating this project, and we hope audiences will join in the fun.”
“As You Like It” is the story of Rosalind, considered one of Shakespeare’s greatest characters. Banished from her home, she finds herself disguised as a man in the Forest of Arden amid fools, shepherds, cynics and bandits. The clever and full-hearted heroine finds love, laughs and identity along her journey.
The cast includes seniors Alexandra Oliver (Rosalind), Lucie Stewart (Jacques), Heather Rossi (Touchstone), Molly Feinstein (Audrey) and Jeanetta Cliett (Lordy); juniors Ashley Mapley-Brittle (Celia), Jessie Hull (Woody), Jared Lindsay (Orlando), Jordan Dallam (Charles/Corin), Patrick McClelland (Oliver) and Matthew Hoffman (Silvius); sophomore Clarice Sigsworth (Le Beau); freshmen Madison Steiner (Phebe), Christine Watt (Amiens) and Rose Blister (Adam/William); and guest artist Brian Mullins (Duke Frederick/Duke Senior) as well as several faculty guest cameos. Costume design is by senior Ginny Treu and stage management is by sophomore Gabby Busch and freshman Olivia Leenhouts. The show is also supported by faculty designers Matthew Emerson and Russell Hill.
This is one of six productions in the HPU Department of Theatre and Dance 2016-17 season. In 2016, the department was named one of the Top 10 BA Theatre programs in the nation by OnStage.