BRATTLEBORO — New England Youth Theatre, 100 Flat St., presents a musical adaptation of Shakespeare's bewitching tale of faithful friends, feuding families, and lovers in disguise, As You Like It.
Adapted by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery, with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub, and directed by Rebecca Waxman, the show will be performed at 7 p.m. on Aug. 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, and at 2 p.m. on Aug. 3, 4, and 10.
Featuring an original folk-pop score by Vermonter Shaina Taub, As You Like It was named one of The New York Times' best shows of 2017 and is a raucous and inclusive celebration of life and love.
Forced from their homes, Orlando, Duke Senior, his daughter Rosalind and niece Celia escape to the Forest of Arden, a fantastical place of transformation where all are welcomed and embraced. Lost amidst the trees, the refugees find community and acceptance under the stars.
“The creative process of this production has been wildly imaginative - with costume and makeup design that will make your jaw drop,” says Waxman, noting that the look of the show was heavily influenced by 1980s fashion - “a glamorous, eccentric style that's fabulous for the stage.”
“This material has proven to be a fantastic vehicle for seasoned young actors, many of whom are exploring new approaches, new colors, and new physicalities” adds Waxman, “and the catchy score was instantly beloved by this cast, and by all who hear it.”
First commissioned by Public Theatre's Public Works project, the original production in New York had more than 200 community members in the show - non-professionals working with veterans of the stage.
Likewise, Waxman has recruited members of the NEYT community - parents, alumni, faculty, and staff - to participate in the production, with musical direction by Cailin Marcel Manson, choreography by Katherine Partington, and costume design by Monika Grist-Wiener.