 |
Photo By Mark Lyons
|
Lindsey Marlin and David Zelina in As You Like It
|
Musicality is the quality director Terrell Finney identifies as being most characteristic of William Shakespeare's 1599 comedy, As You Like It. And music will be a key element in a new production of the show at the University of Cincinnati.
Finney is directing the show. He heads programs in opera, musical theater, drama and arts administration at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). UC's performing arts division recently merged its operations within the new $93-million "CCM Village" -- a stunning performance, rehearsal and teaching complex that brings together faculty and students from disparate locations. Close proximity is enabling a lot of collaboration between faculty and artists in other disciplines.
Finney speaks with particular enthusiasm about the musical accompaniment that has been arranged. This production will feature music conceived in the style of the period, composed by graduate student Christopher Doll, as well as existing period music, performed by members of CCM's Early Music Lab, directed by faculty member Stephanie Schlagel.
"This has been an exciting cooperative venture between the department of drama and the early music program," Finney says. This kind of activity has become much more frequent with everyone working in the same building. "This should provide a wonderful experience for the audience."
Finney adapted the script of As You Like It down to a two-hour production. "I downloaded an edited version of the text, then laid that out, side-by-side, with the original 1623 Folio edition. It's been really fascinating to see the differences, and to let the actors look back to an earlier text that can help inform their performance."
The love story of As You Like It contrasts a courtly environment with a mythical setting, the Forest of Arden. In a sort of city-mouse/country-mouse distinction, the foibles and virtues of each world are compared and contrasted in a charming romantic comedy.
Finney likes this script, not only because it's a classic that offers students excellent experience in speaking verse, but because many of its youthful characters can be suitably acted by college students. That's not to say that several interesting character roles are minimized: They'll be there and humorously presented.
Finney says As You Like It is "one of Shakespeare's most radiant and delightful comedies," and he thinks this classically based production will be one that audiences will truly enjoy.
AS YOU LIKE IT will be performed at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music on the Patricia Corbett Theater stage through Sunday.
