Aurora University to stage 'As You Like It'
Aurora University's Theatre Department will stage Shakespeare's comedy, "As You Like It" at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, to Saturday, Nov. 22, in Perry Theatre in the Aurora Foundation Center for Community Enrichment at 1305 Kenilworth Place in Aurora. The public is invited. Admission is free.
In lieu of an admission fee, nonperishable food items will be accepted for Holy Angels Church food pantry in Aurora and Season of Concern, the Chicago area theater community's fundraising effort in the fight against AIDS. Reservations are required. Call (630) 844-4924 or e-mail artsandideas@aurora.edu.
The comedy follows its heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle's court to find safety and eventually love in the Forest of Arden. A rollicking romp trading the politics of power for the politics of the heart, the play features one of Shakespeare's most famous and oft-quoted soliloquies, "All the world's a stage" and the phrase "too much of a good thing."
On Wednesday, Nov. 19, play director Denise Blank will lead a preshow discussion of the production at 7 p.m.
A display of artwork relating to the production is planned for the Perry Theatre lobby. Exhibiting artists are Stephen Lowery, oil paintings; John Curran, sculpture; and Michael Sawdey, photography. Additionally, AU students will display research projects on the Shakespearean era.
The production features Shakespeare's lyrics with original music by director and assistant professor of theater Denise Blank, and AU student-actors Jeff Schilling, Jeff Goins, Tamara Rodgers and Chris Hister.
"As You Like It" dates to the end of the 1590s, Blank said. "There are several references to the untimely murder of the reigning iconic playwright, Christopher Marlowe. "The references demonstrate that the play must have been performed shortly after this event, which rocked the London theater and community."
Marlowe's death opened the doors for acceptance of Shakespeare's new style of characterization, which noted scholar Harold Bloom credits as forming the basis for modern humanity.
The play is part of AU's 2008-2009 Celebrating Arts and Ideas series.
Cast members include: Cesar Ochoa, Aaron Reynolds, Jackson Schultz, Richard Westphal and Michelle Zepeda, all of Aurora; Jacarla Mitchell of Bellwood; Demonte Dandridge of Bolingbrook; Jeff Goins of Bristol, Wis.; Chris Hister and Isaac Ricks, both of Chicago; Jeff Schilling of Crete; Tamara Rodgers of Des Plaines; Kevin Tumelson of Dixon; Travis Winkler of Montgomery; Meghan Surta of St. Charles; and Bridget O'Malley of Yorkville.
Production staff members are: John Curran, technical director; Kati Schillinger, stage manager; Christopher Beckendorf, assistant technical director; Lisa Balek, lighting assistant; David Blancas and Cole Scott Haug, running crew; Justin Bills, Kenneth Dixon, Kelly Garrett, Jeffrey Goins, Christopher Hister, Anne Miller, Jacarla Mitchell, Bridget O'Malley, Aaron Reynolds, Tamara Rodgers, Jeffery Schilling, Kati Schillinger, Tori Smith, and Kevin Tumelson, technical assistants; Tori Smith, public relations; and Denise Maynard, Jeffrey Schilling, Jackson Schultz, Travis Winkler, dramaturgy and lobby presentations.