BWW Interviews: Jacob Fishel in AS YOU LIKE IT at Two Rivers Theater

Jacob Fishel will be starring as Orlando in William Shakespeare's romantic comedy, As You Like It at Two Rivers Theater from January 25th through February 16th. Directed by Michael Sexton, this well-known classic will take audiences on a journey to the Forest of Arden as cross-dressing heroines and triumphant heroes learn how to embrace their imaginations, let go of their fears and surrender to romance.

Jacob Fishel has an impressive theatrical background. Currently a Brooklyn resident, Fishel is a graduate of The Juilliard School and the recipient of the John Houseman Prize for Excellence in Classical Theater. His credits include Henry V at Two River Theater, Macbeth at New York Shakespeare Festival and the Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof.

Fishel's theatrical experience has prepared him well for the role of Orlando. He commented, "In many ways the role Orlando is a classic archetype... the young lover. I've worked on a few and although there are many similarities, I find more inspiration in discovering how Shakespeare has made him different from the others. He is less privileged and petulant than Romeo, he is more proud and honorable in his poverty than Bassanio and his experience of love transforms him into a kinder more generous lover than does Orsino's. These differences carved out the nuances of Orlando for me and I have allowed me to see the human being within the archetype."

Playing Orlando has been a wonderful challenge for Fishel and he shared with us his experience preparing for the role. He commented, "I have played many articulate characters in Shakespeare, characters that drive the action and use language to manifest their desires. Last season's Henry V was one of these men. Orlando is quite the opposite. He has not been formally educated, and although he has a natural intelligence, he oftentimes is at a loss for words. When Henry is onstage he is talking with a clarity of intention, manipulating those around him to follow his lead, whereas when Orlando's onstage he is primarily listening, asking questions, trying to figure out what to do and how to do it. It's an enjoyably uncomfortable position for me to be in. One of the strategies into Orlando's experience has been to delay memorizing my lines. I prefer to be off book very early in rehearsal, but this time I delayed it by a week. As we got on our feet, everyone around me knew their lines and I had no idea what I was supposed to say next. A simple thing, but it connected me very strongly with his feelings of unworthiness, his fear of speaking publicly and the humiliation associated with his lack of education."

We asked Fishel about his mentors and those who have influenced his career. Like so many talented actors, he has drawn inspiration from many. Fishel said, "Growing up in Seattle, Edward Payson Call was my first great mentor with Shakespeare. He ran the Young Shakespeare Workshop and that is where I got my start with these texts. Ed gave me the foundation for analyzing verse and pushed me in many directions as an actor. I later attended The Juilliard School where I had many mentors, the most influential being Richard Feldman. He consistently challenged me to explore the life happening behind the words."

Fishel is pleased to be in the cast of As You Like It at Two Rivers. He commented on the virtues of the theater. "Two River is a family. I was very proud of our production of Henry V last season, but the most memorable part of that experience was enduring Hurricane Sandy. To see how the company responded to the challenge and how the greater community of Red Bank came together in support of each other was a true gift. We were so clearly a part of something greater than ourselves. John Dias has brought together a tremendous group of people that work seamlessly together. It is wonderful to be back here with this theatre company and to be combining our talents in a new production."

Ticket prices for As You Like It range from $37 to $65, with discounts available for groups, seniors, and U.S. military personnel, their families, and veterans. A limited number of $20 tickets are available for every performance; $20 tickets may be partial view. Tickets for patrons under 30 are $24 and include the best available seats at every performance. Tickets are available from tworivertheater.org or 732.345.1400

Photo: Courtesy of Two Rivers Theater

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