By Ashlei Havili Thomas
While Creekside Theatre Festival is relatively new to the Utah summer theatre scene, the quality of theatre they’ve brought to Cedar Hills, Utah is incredible, with As You Like It being their Shakespeare play of choice this season. Held in an outdoor amphitheater in Heritage Park, the audience sits on the grassy slope across the creek from the actors, who occasionally bridge the water to use the sides of the hill. The many trees provide shady cover, while the brook and live band create a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the wonderful acting onstage. As You Like It is the perfect excuse for a picnic in the park while enjoying a classic Shakespearean comedy here in Utah County.
As You Like It is one of Shakespeare’s more confusing plots to follow, with four couples, two sets of warring brothers, four fools, and many hidden identities. The main players are the two dukes (one exiled in the forest), each of whom have one daughter, the de Boys brothers Orlando and Oliver (their brother Jaques shows up briefly at the end). Celia and Rosalind—the daughters—run away to the forest when Celia’s father exiles Rosalind on pain of death. They decide to live in disguise, hiding from everyone. Orlando leaves his family home to seek his fortune in the forest, and his brother Oliver is sent by the ruling Duke, Celia’s father, to find his brother. Through many chance meetings and conniving plans, the play ends with a quadruple wedding, and a message to the audience to take the play “as they may like it.”
Kristian Huff as Orlando is a refreshing blend of gallantry and awkward lovestruck boy. Huff creates a giddiness in his complete adoration for Rosalind (Annika Mikkelson), giving Mikkelson endless content to tease and torment Orlando with in her “shepherd friend” disguise. These witty banters are intermingled with the endless wit and nonsense performed by Keith Allen as Touchstone, Eric Lyman’s sarcastically sharp Jaques and Jeff Thompson as the servants Adam, Corin, and Vicar Martext. Allen provides a jester’s loose and ever-spouting jokes and quips, getting himself into trouble and eventually married to a goatherd, Audrey (Nikole Higgins). Allen plays frequently off the simple slapstick Thompson brings to the table for endless hilarity and good fun. Without a hitch, Lyman switches between playing the double bass and slinging dry remarks that cut merry and serious scenes alike, giving a levity to the entire affair. Zachary Hanks has the best character arc in the play as Oliver de Boys; first, the condescending and scheming elder brother, then the gentled man humbled by a kind act. Joleah Long (Celia) may seem like the awkward third wheel for most of the exile with not a word for many scenes but many physical comedic bits throughout, she shines at the end of the play with Hanks as a romantic duo, overpowering Mikkelson’s Rosalind for the most memorable scene. The large ensemble of the show does a splendid job creating multiple distinct characters for even the smallest of scenes. While this play can be a maze to sort out, the cast and ensemble create obvious characters with clear purpose, a tremendous feat that allows for hilarity, not confusion, to be the audience’s reaction.
In the director’s note, Jon Liddiard mentions his choice to set As You Like It in America in the 1930’s. While the set and costumes are simple, they work in harmony with the folksy music to create the feeling of content, modest living. Brian Hadfield’s set design has very few changes to denote new settings, but he uses these minimal differences to great advantage, helping the audience decipher the scene’s plot in an instant. Likewise, the costume design by Katrina DeKarver helps to clearly distinguish the city folk from the country dwellers, a plot point of the show (Orlando asks why a shepherd, Rosalind in disguise, has so highborn an accent). When these elements, along with the choreography by Meg Flinders, music by Zack Hansen and Maren Hansen, and sound design by Jake Allen, come together it creates a whimsical, lighthearted play for everyone to enjoy away from the stress of life.
While the play is a perfect outdoor summer activity for families, because it is a more confusing Shakespeare plot it may be difficult for younger children to follow along. Also, make sure to bring a blanket, lawn chair, or something else to sit on as well as bug spray and a jacket for when the sun sets. Set your group up for success by allowing yourself to enjoy the play without being chilly or fighting mosquitoes. While Creekside may not be as established as other local theatre companies, the caliber of work they’ve brought to Northern Utah County is remarkable. Make sure not to miss out on their wonderful As You Like It.
Creekside Theatre Festival presents As You Like It by William Shakespeare.
Heritage Park Amphitheater, 4425 W Cedar Hills Dr, Cedar Hills, UT 84062
June 22, 24, 27-28, 30, July 1, 2022 7:30 PM
Tickets: $15-18
Creekside Theatre Festival website
Creekside Theatre Festival Facebook page
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