As You Like It
Director Michael Kharfen
Producer Lisa Freese
All the world's a stage in this romantic comedy favorite of the Bard's with its story of thwarted lovers, disguise, and happy amends. Rosalind, daughter of a banished Duke, flees the court of her uncle to save her own life. With her cousin Celia, she disguises herself as a man and they find refuge in the enchanting Forest of Arden. Rosalind encounters the young Orlando and they both promptly fall in love. Through merry misunderstandings, pleasing poetry and hilarious happenstance, As You Like It shows us the forces of true love and justice can make an out-of-kilter world right again—and done so by a woman!
Sunday February 21, 1:00-4:00 PM
Monday February 22, 7:30-10:00 PM
Cold readings from script
11 Men, 4 Women
Information: Michael Kharfen, Mkharfen@aol. com or 202-262-3996
Roles:
- Rosalind, 20’s-30’s, is the clever and resourceful daughter to the banished Duke Senior. When in adversity, she uses her wit, intellect and bravado to face down any challenge and invent a new solution. She is also a secret romantic.
- Celia, 20’s-30’s, daughter to Duke Frederick, places her loyalty and affection for her cousin Rosalind over her father. She is smart and insightful, always anticipating the next move by Rosalind. She too has a romantic side.
- Duke Senior (Ferdinand), 40’s-60’s, is the banished duke and good hearted leader of his forest court. He has a good sense of humor and perspective.
- Duke Frederick, 40’s-50’s, conniving and jealous duke who usurped his older brother. He will stop at nothing, including sacrificing his own daughter, to keep his position.
- Orlando, 20’s-30’s, romantic and impetuous youngest son of a nobleman, trying to find his role in the world.
- Oliver, 20’s-30’s, somewhat stiff-necked and prone to envy oldest brother to Orlando. However, underneath the hard shell, there’s a softer side who can recognize his own faults.
- Touchstone, 20’s-40’s, sarcastic, witty, self-involved clown who accompanies Rosalind and Celia. He thinks quite highly of himself.
- Jaques, 30’s-40’s, sardonic and misanthropic lord who follows Duke Senior. He has an opinion and interpretation on everything.
- Adam, 50’s-60’s, humorous, loyal, clever and complaining servant to Orlando, who takes on a guardian role to his young ward with what advice he can offer.
- Silvius, Teens’s-30’s, love-lorn, honest and naïve suitor to Phoebe. He is perceptive in his country way and deeply in love with his shepherdess.
- Phoebe, Teens’s-20’s, lovely, fickle and a bit of a tease, who is more innocent than she would admit. She’ll be betrothed to Silvius, but has a wandering eye.
- Audrey, 20’s, simple country girl, genuine and wanting to be married, and willing to accept even the oddest of fellows.
The following roles, among several Lords and attendants, will be double-cast. Each character has its own personality and several speeches that will be fun and challenging for the actors. The ages range from late teens to 40’s.
- Corin, shepherd
- Sir Oliver Martext, a country vicar
- William, a country youth
- Jaques de Boys, brother to Orlando and Oliver
- Charles, Duke Frederick’s wrestler
- Le Beau, a courtier
- Amiens, a lord, a follower of Duke Senior
Reston Community Players is an all-volunteer community theater.
Auditions take place at the RCP Scene Shop and Lindsay C. Petersen Rehearsal Hall, 264-266 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon, Virginia (in the Sunset Business Park).
