Review: AS YOU LIKE IT at Camarillo Skyway Playhouse

William Shakespeare's comedy "As You Like It" plays through March 10th at Camarillo Skyway Playhouse.. A story of love and the rocky road to union, reunion, and redemption. Duke Senior (the versatile Mary Comstock) has been banished and her rule usurped by her brother Frederick (the ever- present Chris Clyne). Senior's daughter Rosalind (the prominent and formidable Ryanna Dunn) and Frederick's daughter Celia (the capable Libby Baumgartner) are best friends, and when Frederick suddenly banishes Rosalind, the two women disguise themselves and flee to the Forest of Arden, where the banished duke has taken refuge. Orlando (the stalwart Benjamin Blonigan), with whom Rosalind has fallen in love, also ventures into the forest to escape a villainous brother of his own. In this forest of witty fools, foolish wise men, men who are women in disguise, and people finding their true selves, love will blossom, villainy will be redeemed, and Nature will nurture all.

This reviewer has to give huge kudos to the entire cast as each and everyone was heard and understood. I hear from a valid source that much work was done on the text and the accessibility of it, and it shows!

This particular production has been touted as an ode to the '80's, however it fell far away from that mark, in doing so. If one is going to place a production within a certain decade, once must do their due diligence and make certain all artistic "i's" are dotted and "t's" are crossed. Costumes are a factor, as are set, colors, and music. Within this production, a few choice pieces of costume seemed only to represent the era of huge shoulder pads, big hair, and neon colors. The set, being too traditional, did not lend itself to the possible-fun of an era-specific production. The music, although for the most part was spot on, many of the songs creeped into the early 90's and therefore added to the confusion of the much publicised concept.

Having said the above, performances were solid (although too many double and triple casting for an audience to keep up with the already-lengthy and winding story line). Bravi to Dunn for taking the show by the proverbial horns and leading it with strength and performance for the long 2 ½ hours (however after such a long time, this reviewer felt let down and a tad disappointed when the full epilogue was not delivered). The same congratulatory message goes to Blonigan for having an ease and comfort on stage.

My final observation...although I am not an anglophile when it comes to producing Shakespeare, I have to say that I was thoroughly taken out of my enjoyment of the production each and every time a cast member veered from the original script with a modern adlib. Personally, I think that allows for a disservice to your audience as well as the tried and true text, itself.

Performances are through March 10, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2PM. There will be a Thursday show on February 21 at 8 PM, and no show on February 24. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, students and military, and $10 for children 12 and under. Group rates are available by calling the box office. The show is open to all ages. Camarillo Skyway Playhouse is located at the Camarillo Airport Complex at 220 Skyway Drive in Camarillo. For tickets and more information, visit www.skywayplayhouse.org or call (805)388-5716.

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