Gender bending might seem like a new idea but even William Shakespeare thought it was a great subject to explore in As You Like It, presented by the Prince George Theatre Workshop Society at the Playhouse June 16 to 18, and 23 to 25.
During this comedy about love and lust a lovely young woman named Rosalind is banished from the kingdom and in order to disguise herself, dresses as a man and does all things manly as she tries to survive in the Forest of Arden.
There's a young shepherdess who finds Rosalind irresistible disguised as a man while Rosalind's true love Orlando has very confusing feelings for this' young man' he encounters in the woods.
It all adds up to a hilarious play.
Don't worry about having to follow Shakespeare, there's a translator slash interpreter who will keep the audience informed. Dennis, played by Simon Quarenghi, even goes as far as bringing in puppets to help explain scenes so no one misses any of the fun.
Ashley Newell will be playing Rosalind, the lead female role. Rosalind takes the opportunity of portraying a man to discover if Orlando, who claims to have loved her at first sight, does indeed speak the truth. So during her cross dressing adventures she can find out what she needs to know through her manly character of Ganymede.
In the meantime Orlando is very confused and strangely attracted to Ganymede and he just doesn't know why.
Matthew Pixton takes on the role of Orlando.
"Ultimately, Orlando is just a guy trying to find love in his life and has a funny way of getting there," Pixton explained.
Eve Ghostkeeper plays Rosalind's best friend Celia, who dresses up as an unattractive woman when she runs away with Rosalind so she can look after her. Celia is very motherly towards Rosalind and while she's trying to keep her in check, Celia finds herself finding the love of her life.
"This is such a great comedy. It's perfect for the people in the Prince George community," said producer Tim Bennett. "This is not your typical Romeo and Juliet or MacBeth Shakespeare play. This is a hilarious and light-hearted comedy everyone can enjoy."
The cast of 20 has been rehearsing since the beginning of April and it's all falling into place, he added.
"I have been blessed with an absolutely fantastic cast and crew," said director Daniel Yule. "They have done a brilliant job of bringing the play to life and I am very excited to share their incredible work. I've been laughing myself silly at rehearsal. If the audience thinks it's half as funny as I do, it'll be a raging success."
Tickets are $25 for adults, $22.50 for everyone else and are available at Studio 2880, 2880 Fifteenth Avenue or by calling 250-563-2880 or at the door.
