Plan to like 'As You Like It,' thanks to a man for all seasons

LISA MILLEGAN
BEE ARTS WRITER
June 27, 2007

MURPHYS — There's an added incentive for Modesto residents to see Murphys Creek Theatre's season opening production of "As You Like It."

The Shakespeare comedy features one of Modesto's most respected actors in a whopping three roles. Jack Souza, the founding artistic director of Prospect Theater Project, not only creates distinct, engaging characters but sings folk songs with other cast members and accompanies himself on the guitar.

His best part is Jacques, the melancholy aristocrat who delivers the famed monologue "All the world's a stage … and one man in his time plays many parts." Souza's rendition is well-paced, thoughtful and poignant.

As Corin, Souza transforms himself into an uneducated, and none-too-bright shepherd.

Finally, as Duke Frederick, he plays a no-nonsense Southern sheriff who won't hesitate to shoot anybody who gets in his way.

If you wonder how Shakespeare thought of writing about an American lawman in 1599, he didn't. That interpretation of the character is a result of director Graham Scott Green's decision to move the play to 1930s rural America. Though one of the play's key themes is lost in this version (the contrast between life in the city and life in the country, since everything is staged in the country), this presentation makes the workmore appealing to contemporary audiences. Green designed an attractive set featuring a two-story barn surrounded by bales of hay.

The plot is confusing if you don't pay close attention and read beforehand the synopsis helpfully provided in the program. The story centers on two cousins, Rosalind and Celia, who are forced to flee their home and set up a new life in the country. The cousins fall in love with brothers Orlando and Oliver after a series of adventures involving a boxing match, disguises and the purchase of a ranch.

Lara Ford is witty and passionate as Rosalind and makes reciting the Bard's difficult words sound easy. She's confident, in control and not afraid of any authority. While her Southern accent is a bit overblown, Misty Day contributes a playful spirit as Celia, Duke Frederick's daughter.

Josh Gren, who plays Orlando, is heroic in a fight but comedically paralyzed when he sees his beloved. William Trier, who plays the much smaller part of Oliver, is as laid back as a vacationer on the beach.

Tara Kayton offers a whimsical portrayal of the jester Touchstone, a role normally played by a man. Wearing Charlie Chaplin-like attire, she performs magic tricks and skips around the stage. Sid Marsh is amiable as Rosalind's father Duke Senior, and Stephen Daly and Martha Kight keep audiences laughing as older lovers Silvius and Phebe. Kight also showcases a fine solo voice in frequent folk music interludes.

While those jam sessions sounded great at Friday night's performance, the opening dance number fell flat. It looked like the actors didn't rehearse it much and had little idea of what to do. Hopefully, their steps will be more assured in future performances.

It's easy to forgive such lapses, however, because they are minor and the venue is so drop-dead gorgeous. Stevenot Winery's tree-ringed amphitheater is as pleasant a spot as you could want for picnicking, sipping wine and viewing the stars. Just remember to pack bug spray and bring a sweater — evening temperatures can be chilly.

Bee arts writer Lisa Millegan can be reached at 578-2313 or lmillegan@modbee.com.

'AS YOU LIKE IT'

Rating: ***

**** Excellent; *** Good; ** Fair; * Poor