Escape from reality into the romantic forest of Arden in one of Shakespeare’s happiest plays. From the oppressively silly court of a usurper to the merry forest home of outcasts, rustics, and fools, this hilarious romp features star-crossed lovers, devoted friends, and dysfunctional families – with a cross-dressing princess and a melancholy drunkard to round out the fun. How do we find happiness? How do we know when it’s real love? How do we know who we are, and where can we go to discover ourselves? How do we reconcile fantasy and reality? As You Like It is an exuberant exploration of these questions . . . with a catchy tune or two.

This delightful romantic comedy, featuring the famous Shakespearian heroine Rosalind and her beloved Orlando, finishes the Town and Gown Players 2007-2008 mainstage season. Directed by Dina Canup, whose past directorial endeavors at Town and Gown include Play It Again Sam, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Henry V, Oleanna, and The Ladies of the Camellias, this production puts the focus on the zany cast of characters in a timeless comedy.

In the 50+ year tradition of Athens Community Theatre, the cast features a wide variety of actors that include longtime Town and Gown regulars, UGA students and alumni, and Athenian locals. For example, Rosalind is played by Amy Dowdy, a newcomer to Athens who partners with UGA Theatre alumnus Martin Smith as Orlando. Local high school English teacher and Town and Gown standard Derek Adams plays Touchstone, whose love interest Audrey is played by another familiar face at Town and Gown, Katie Benfield. Rosalind’s cousin Celia is played by UGA student Emily Myers, who first performed at Town and Gown a year ago in Woody Allen’s Play It Again, Sam. Orlando’s villainous brother Oliver is played by John Ginn, who was recently seen as Stanley Kowalski in Town and Gown’s production of A Streetcar Named Desire. Jaques, who performs the famous “All the world’s a stage” monologue, is played by Steven Carroll of the UGA Department of Theatre and Film Studies. The rival Dukes are played by Robert Hall (of Barnes and Noble) and Richard Hoard (frequently seen in Oconee Youth Playhouse productions).

Come opening night, Friday August 15th, and be a part of the jolly world of Arden at the reception after the show!

The curtain rises at 8:00 p.m. August 15-16, 21-23 and at 2:00 p.m. for the August 17 and 24 Sunday matinees. Regular admission is $18, admission for students is $15, and Thursday August 21 is the popular $5 show. Reservations can be made by calling 706-208-TOWN (8696) and are strongly recommended for opening night and the Thursday performance.