By Jennifer Mustoe
Every time I go see a Grassroots Shakespeare Company production, I know it will be good. But that’s where I am always wrong. Not only are they better than good, they are great, but they are getting greater and greater. I’ve been trying to pinpoint why I believe they are improving. I mean, can you improve upon perfection? In the case of GSC’s As You Like It, one of the summer’s two free productions, the improvement may be in my own experience.
I am seeing a more raucous audience experience overall–which I love! At GSC, you are encouraged to boo, hiss, clap, answer the actors’ questions. You get the idea. And we had an enthusiastic audience who jumped in to hoot and holler throughout the whole play.
As You Like It was performed at the Orem Scera Park. They have their own traveling stage that they put in their lovely GSC truck and carry from place to place, just like the actors did in Shakespeare’s day. That is also the reason we are encouraged to participate. That’s how it was done back in 1600s. Grassroots Shakespeare Company also begin the show with a trio of musicians who sing and play, and music is played throughout the show. (And to be honest, it was a little loud in scenes and some of the actors’ lines were a little overshadowed.)
As You Like It is the story of star-crossed lovers, with good guys and bad guys and lots of twists and turns–a common theme from the bard. There were four couples in this comedy and we watched their romances progress in the typical Shakespearean way. Couples look and ding! They are in love! And as for that ding, it’s real. The musicians hit a triangle–ding!–so the audience knows it’s love.
Jessica Myer is Rosalind who loves Orlando, played by Brooks Lindberg. This couple has the biggest twists and turns, owing to the fact that Rosalind spends much of her time dressed as a man who is teaching Orlando how to love Rosalind by pretending to be Rosalind, only dressed as a man. Confused? So is Orlando. Myer does a fabulous job switching genders and roles and keeping us audience members up to speed on what’s happening in this wacky love story. I adored Lindberg as the dopey, if slightly confused lover. His puppy dog smile is enough to melt anyone’s heart. Each one of these actors had several brilliant moments, too many to list. But they are magical. Trust me.
Most of the other actors play multiple parts, and GSC does an amazing job with costumes and mannerisms and such to help us understand who is who. The entire cast is amazing, and since it’s short and sweet, I’m listing what I liked most in their performances.
- Addison Radle plays Jaques & Le Beau. His speech is the Big One that starts with “All the world’s a stage…” I’ve never seen As You Like It and how glad am I that the first time I saw it was with Radle doing this monologue. It was brilliant. He is funny, has excellent timing and a delight to watch.
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- Alexandra Russell plays the rather unpleasant Phebe who won’t love the man who adores her and falls in love with Rosalind in drag. Russell is hilarious and I loved her performance.
- Charlotte Martell Andrews plays Katherine, Rosalind’s cousin and sidekick. Andrews’ facial expressions and her graceful movement are her strengths and she was truly adorable as one of the “love at first sight” couples toward the end of the play.
- Dallin Halls plays several characters and his best moments are with Dominic Zappala, who also plays multiple roles. These two have several scenes together and I don’t want to spoil it, but get your snapping fingers primed and ready to go. The “poetry” scenes with the Beat Generation and 60s tie dye costuming and snapping fingers from cast and audience are a scream. L-O-V-E-D them! Kudos to both of these amazing actors.
- Daniel Fenton Anderson plays several roles and oh my goodness! Not only are each of them well-acted, it isn’t just the costumes that help us understand he has each character honed to perfection. Fenton nails each role. And may I say, anyone who’s willing to get into that wrestling costume is one. brave. actor. I have seen Anderson is many plays and he is always a favorite. Bravo!
- Steven Pond as Touchstone, the fool, is frankly amazing. His timing, his understanding of his character, his interaction with the audience–this and much more make him one of GSC’s regulars for good reason. He is joined by Kailey Azure Green who becomes another one of the love couples with Pond. I loved Green’s modern style of talking. I’m not sure how to explain it, but she’s great. I loved every minute she was on stage, as a man and a woman. Good job!
Each actor had their moments of brilliance. I am always amazed at how GSC does it. They have only two weeks of rehearsal–they come memorized–and have no director. The synergy and in this case, hilarious portrayals are some of the best we see in Utah, a place that has a whole lotta talent.
My only real downer for this review is that the audiences for these wonderful productions is always far too small. My husband, a retired high school English teacher, recently became a fan of GSC at my insistence and now won’t miss a show. Furthermore, the summer season, which also includes Henry V and a surprise show in July are FREE! GSC asks for a donation, but this is the best deal around and not just because it is vastly affordable.
As the season progresses, be sure to spray on insect repellant (my favorite being Listerine in a spray bottle–yes you read that right–not Deet), bring a chair or blanket to sit on and bring something to munch on. This is a super casual event. And bring every single one of your friends to these shows. They will thank you. I guarantee it.
Tell my son Brooks lindberg to call his mother and tell her when he’s performing. We live in salem..and he is my awesome actor son!