Georgia Shakespeare premiered As You Like It, the first show in the three-show summer season at the Conant Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 14. This writer was thrilled for the invitation to review Shakespeare’s story of heroine, Rosalind, and have another opportunity to see Neal Ghant (David Mamet’s Race) on stage again.
Directed by Richard Garner, As You Like It was produced at Shakespeare in the Park June 5 – 8 to record crowds and great audience reception. Courtney Patterson (Rosalind) and Travis Smith (Orlando) lead the stellar Atlanta cast. As You Like It is a “pastoral comedy and features one of Shakespeare’s most vibrant heroines, Rosalind, who falls suddenly and madly in love with the dashing Orlando. When she is banished from the court by her devious uncle, Rosalind disguises herself as a boy named Ganymede and flees to the magical Forest of Arden, where the lives of all who enter are transformed. After Orlando also arrives, Arden abounds with life, beauty, music, and yes, a whole lotta love.”
The play runs until June 29. Tickets are $16-40 including senior, student, military and educator discounts, and are on sale now at www.gashakespeare.org, or at the box office (404-504-1473). Georgia Shakespeare at Oglethorpe University is located at 4484 Peachtree Rd., NE, in Atlanta. The show is performed in the Conant Performing Arts Center at the back of the Oglethorpe University campus. Parking is free and plentiful.
Photos by Greg Mooney
