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Arts Review

A fitting tale of adventure en route to a new beginning

Jul 10, 2019 | 8:12 AM

The times are truly changing at Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, which fittingly opts for a story of adventure and love on the way to a new beginning for their 35th season.

As You Like It, directed by Anita Smith, is a visually stunning presentation, brought to life by lavish, colourful costuming that draws heavily on influence from Alice in Wonderland.

The play follows Rosalind (Kate Herriot) and her cousin Celia (Jacqueline Block) as they flee persecution after being banished by Rosalind’s aunt, Duchess Frederica. The two eventually find love in the Forest of Arden, where they encounter an array of memorable characters.

Both Herriot and Block play perfectly off each other, sharing warm and comedic chemistry when needed and are enjoyable focal points throughout. Herriot masterfully spearheads the flip-flopped persona while she is disguised as a man attempting to navigate the courtship of Aaron Hursh’s Orlando, who is in love with Rosalind.

Often, those found in the forest capitalize on their bestowed Wonderland-esque personalities, introducing an additional layer of comedic joy in an already buoyant performance. It also contributes to a true Wonderland ending you likely will not find in any other rendition of the play.

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Some of the most memorable lines come from Kent Allen, who brings to life the melancholy traveller Jaques. He showcases clear wisdom of the literature when executing some of Shakespeare’s most famous speeches.

Additionally, the energetic performance of Kenn McLeod as the abiding foolish court goon Touchstone proves you sometimes can’t have too much of a good thing. His lively movement and comical execution of the verbiage draws the audience down a rabbit hole of hilarity throughout.

The commonplace gender blending at Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan and casting of women in roles traditionally reserved for men continues in As You Like It. A robust cast of women leads the way, as The Duke of Frederick is swapped for a sinister Duchess skillfully delivered by Kristal Harder. Jamie Lee Shebelski is cast as Olivia, Orlando’s sister, in the place of the brother Oliver, who gently falls in love with Celia.

The set and costuming enhance the magical setting, sprinkled with quirky and off-kilter happenings – a great fit for the elegant romance.

The show is naturally paired with music, which is substituted for modern renditions regularly throughout. It occasionally is momentarily jarring but culminates in first-rate fashion during the final marriage song.

Comedic asides force the audience to remain attentive to the minor details poured into this unique take on The Bard’s pastoral comedy.

Light-hearted dancing and vocal performances are injected throughout, alongside a truly enjoyable wrestling match capped with the over the top fittings one would expect in a primetime WWE match.

The theme of new beginnings pairs well with Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan’s endeavour to further enrich their jewel along the riverbank with the Staging the Future Capital Campaign.

The $4 million project will see the unique site transition from a temporary annual pop-up to a unique venue bearing permanent landscaping and purpose-built structures, all alongside a permanent concrete amphitheatre next season.

Productions run from until August 18. Tickets can be purchased from Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan’s box office.

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