Review: CCPT's AS YOU LIKE IT Moves the Forest of Arden Into Carlson Park

Culver City Public Theatre opened its 2016 summer season on Saturday, July 16, for 6 weekends of free theatre in Carlson Park, with two plays, "Frog Tails" at noon, and "As You Like It" at 2:00, every Saturday and Sunday through August 21. Carlson Park is the perfect seeing at transforming it into the Forest of Arden for Shakespeare's lighthearted pastoral comedy. Directing is Benjamin Rathbun, a classically trained actor with extensive experience performing the works of William Shakespeare.

In explaining the title of the play, Shakespeare scholar G.B. Harrison wrote, "It pleases some by its idyllic romance, others by its optimistic philosophy of simple goodness, and yet others by its cynical irony. Indeed, you can take this play just as you like it."

CCPT wisely decided to perform the comedy in the round, setting up the main stage area perpendicular from the regular staging with two smaller risers under opposite side trees from where characters often comment on the main stage action. Audience members can relax in the shade throughout the play, enjoying the warm temperature and delightful ocean breeze.

While many of the actors mastered being able to be heard when facing either direction from the central stage, a few were definitely difficult to hear when their backs were turned to your side of the main playing area. I am sure director Rathbun worked extensively with the actors on this, but those trained to play to a camera rather than a live audience outdoors would most likely have difficulty remembering to speak up at all times.

Kudos to several cast members who energy level never wavered, especially Raul Bencomo whose Silvius ran full speed across most of the park and was then able to deliver his lines without huffing and puffing. David Lengel comically channels Groucho Marks in his interpretation of Jacques comments about the absurdity of the lovers' pursuits. Kerry Kaz even runs on and off stage wearing a full leg brace on what appears to be a broken ankle!

Jessica Intner's Rosalind somehow never quite seems masculine enough in her disguise but plays with Orlando to great comic effect. Same can be said for how she attempts to distract poor lovelorn Phebe (Marisa Van Der Berre) from falling in love with her as she can "love no woman." Intner and Kaitlyn Claire as Celia play their scenes together well, almost as if they really have been friends for life.

Their companion in exile, Touchstone the jester, is perfectly embodied by Brendan Kane as both the buffoon he is as well as a man who knows how to get what he wants without suffering the consequences of promising what he cannot deliver. Sweet and vulgar Audrey (Caroline Sweet) is his perfect foil, loving his base nature that matches her own without suffering from any intelligence that would have her understanding his real intent in pursuing her.

Those familiar with the play about self-discovery may find it much easier to know which character is onstage at what time as several actors play multiple roles which I found confusing at times even though I am very familiar with the play. Costuming by Emily Brown-Kucera reflects some modern influences along with more traditional Shakespearean wear.

Performances of AS YOU LIKE IT take place at 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, from July 16th through August 21st. Audiences are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs, and perhaps a picnic or light snacks to enjoy. But you might want to leave the youngsters at home for AS YOU LIKE IT as the dialogue would be almost impossible for them to understand and the play runs almost 3 hours. But do bring them to the kid-friendly FROG TALES which plays at noon on the same dates. Admission for both shows is free.

Carlson Park is located at the intersection of Braddock Drive and Motor Avenue in Culver City, 90232. Go to www.ccpt.org, call 310-712-5482 or email info@ccpt,org for more information. These performances are made possible in part by a Culver City Performing Arts Grant with support from Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Touchstone carries Celia into the Forest of Arden

Jacques takes center stage