Fun In The Forest Talent Evident In Civic Theatre’s Production Of ‘As You Like It’

“As You Like It” Saturday, Feb. 24, Spokane Civic Theatre

‘As You Like It” is truly one of Shakespeare’s gifts to the world: a sweet-natured frolic through the forest of Arden, full of romance and comedy, leavened with moments of profound philosophy.

So it is especially heartening to see such a pleasant, good-spirited production of it from the Spokane Civic Theatre.

The talent, as at any Civic play, is purely volunteer, which makes it all the more astonishing to see how much Shakespearean talent is in evidence. This production features two marvelous performances in the two most important roles: Celia and Rosalind.

As Rosalind, Elizabeth English is endlessly rewarding to watch. This Gonzaga University student has all of the tools of a fine actress: an expressive face, graceful movement and excellent diction. She also has the intelligence to translate Shakespeare’s often archaic speech, through inflection and emphasis, into something we can easily understand.

Her mouth is expressive even when she is not speaking; she reminded me of Susan Sarandon in her ability to use an open mouth to express astonishment, bewilderment and a range of other emotions. Her hand gestures are especially eloquent; she has a remarkable ability to use this kind of movement with a total lack of self-consciousness. She must dress as a man through most of the play (Rosalind is in disguise), and English has a great deal of fun putting on boyish mannerisms.

Alison Letson, as Celia, is English’s equal. She also plays her role with a fine combination of intelligence and youthful glee. Letson plays her as the ultimate best friend - understanding, fun-loving, loyal and a hoot to be around. The scenes they play together, especially in the forest, are marvels of infectious fun. These two actresses have such a good time that we in the audience have a good time, too.

Not everybody in this 26-person cast is as comfortable with Shakespeare as these two, but several other performers contribute to the show’s success. Maynard Villers uses his excellent voice to good effect as Oliver; Billy Roberson is goofy and antic as Touchstone, the fool; and Michael Schott is moony and lovestruck as Silvius, the shepherd.

Director Ken Pickering, a visiting professor of theater at Gonzaga University, does a fine job of interpreting this play in the low-key British style. Pickering is, after all, a British Shakespearean scholar and authority. He moves this large cast easily through the thickets of Elizabethan language. His direction is simple and spare, choosing to emphasize the beauty of the language without resorting to grandiose gesture. His direction is restrained and natural, and in Shakespeare, less is more.

Only rarely does he let the actors declaim. One instance of that is the famous Seven Ages of Man speech (“All the world’s a stage”) delivered by Paul Wilson as Jaques. Wilson is a bit too obviously acting during this speech, but its depth remains immensely moving. This is my favorite Shakespeare speech. Listen to it closely and you’ll understand why Shakespeare is so revered.

Not that Shakespeare is necessarily accessible. This play’s first half is a bit slow, filled with what seems like interminable exposition. The characters don’t seem to be having conversations; they are giving speeches. However, the second half is much snappier, much funnier and much easier to follow. All you really have to know is that a bunch of people are exiled to a forest, they wander around looking for love and adventure and, eventually, they all get married.

Shakespeare filled this play with song lyrics, and I especially enjoyed the folk-tinged music that Michael B. Herzog wrote for these lyrics. Herzog, another Gonzaga professor, also performed the songs in his role as Amiens.

And special commendation goes to Nik Adams and Peter Hardie, who designed the sets and lights. The forest was magically and beautifully evoked by rear silhouette projection. It was visual poetry, a perfect complement to the verbal poetry of Shakespeare.

, DataTimes MEMO: “As You Like It” continues Thursdays through Sundays until March 16. Tickets: $12 on Fridays and Saturdays, $10 on Thursdays and Sundays, $9 for seniors, $7 for students. All performances at 8 p.m. except Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Call 325-2507.