News

NYC troupe brings 'As You Like It' to NCC

Posted February 24, 2010 10:00 pm

By Sara Hooker

It's not Twitter, and it's not Facebook. And that's why audiences will love the upcoming performances of "As You Like It" at North Central College.

The production provides entertainment people can't get from social networking sites or watching a movie on the couch, said Artistic Director Peter Meineck.

"It's live entertainment and sitting in an audience and really enjoying the play," he said. "People actually have a really good time and get swept up in the story."

The William Shakespeare classic about exile, disguise and unexpected love will be performed by New York City-based Aquila Theatre Group at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26 and 27, as well as at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27 and 28.

The traveling company of seven actors and one crew member perform in about 60 cities each year.

The small crew and demanding schedule have allowed cast members to perfect their portrayal and the humor that comes from this production.

"We're very resourceful," said actress Leandra Ashton, of London, who plays Rosalind. "The doubling-up of roles adds to the comedy and cunningly ties in with the play's themes of disguise and identity."

The company, which has been touring since last June, takes an old-school approach to theater.

"We call it the 'green beret' of the theater world," Meineck said. "If you have exceptional artists, you don't need an army of people. We don't tour with five 18-wheelers. We do it with fabric, light, imagery."

People take Shakespeare far too seriously, Meineck said.

This production makes Shakespeare accessible to everyone - experts and first-timers alike, he said.

"You don't dumb it down, you make it work," Meineck said. "You put it out there for everyone to enjoy. My ideal audience member is someone who has never seen Shakespeare and the Shakespeare expert. The expert sees new things and the new audience member wants to see more Shakespeare. Both can have a good time."

Shows are in North Central College's Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville. Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. For information, call (630) 637-7469 or visit northcentralcollege.edu.show.

With a small touring cast and one crew member, the Aquila Theatre Group relies on fabric and light to create sets while the actors take on multiple roles. Courtesy of Erika Sidor/Aquila Theatre

If you go

What: Aquila Theatre Group's "As You Like It"

When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 and 27; 2 p.m. Feb. 27 and 28

Where: North Central College's Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville

Cost: $30 adults, $20 students and seniors

Info: (630) 637-7469 or <a href="http://northcentralcollege.edu.show" target="new">northcentralcollege.edu.show</a>

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