As U Like It (Theater 2020)

See it if you're looking for a clear, stripped down accounting of Shakespeare’s most pastoral comedy.

Don't see it if you’re looking for an elaborate production or the complete script.

Also I enjoyed this production of Shakespeare’s most pastoral comedy out of all proportion to its tiny budget. The story is clear! Though a fleet 90 minutes, the only cut I missed is the wrestling match, so important to the central love match. How good to see the usual 4th bananas in this lovefest, Phebe & Silvius, shine so touchingly. (Leah Barker moves through her intricate language expertly.) Michael Maloney plays the least self-involved Jaques I can remember—& it works. His melancholy really is for the world. That he plays guitar to terrific renditions of the play’s justly famous songs—lustily performed here—keeps him involved in that world, so his final call to monastic contemplation away from that world gains force. Rosalind & Orlando are very winning, more broadly comic (less moony) than usual: Good! I don’t think the puppetry works as well, but Feste’s hip-hop number nails it. This production will move to a park, which should only sharpen an already fine evocation of Arden.... Read more Read less

See it if You want a solid, charming & fun performance You want a cast with solid classical training.

Don't see it if You don't like Shakespeare transposed to a modern setting. You don't want any of the verse cut. You prefer big production values.

See it if you're charmed by this comedy, acted with keen, admirable fervor. No sets, tiny stage, but original music & great costumes fill the bill!

Don't see it if you need fleshed-out staging, dislike actors in dual roles. My peeve—audience members with no filter on brash laughter & shout-outs to cast.

See it if You enjoy Shakespeare with a slight modern twist

Don't see it if You can't handle Shakespearean language or acrors playing multiple roles

See it if you want some music with your Shakespeare as well as simple sets and engaged performers delighting you with the bard's romantic words.

Don't see it if you desire a more elaborate staging and a professional acting ensemble. These actors have fun with their roles and we enjoy their enjoyment.

See it if You like seeing Shakespeare with with a twist (modern). And like to see actors having fun together.

Don't see it if You are a Shakespeare purist or want big flashy sets.

Also This show was fun, and I think could work for younger Shakespeare fans and high school kids just getting into the Bard,... Read more Read less

See it if you like an intro to this Shakespearean play in its minimalist/abridged form and don't mind a minimalist production - in set/costume & cast.

Don't see it if you want a big production /period set & costume design typical of Shakespeare. But as consolation it makes you concentrate on the dialogues.

See it if You just need shskespeare's language and not the props or stage.

Don't see it if You are looking for an elaborately staged show.

See it if Want to see a fun showing of Shakespeare. You support community theatre. The leads were particularly enjoyable.

Don't see it if Want a full Shakespeare experience (the script is cut down to fit in 90 minutes). Need full sets and props to understand/ enjoy performances

See it if you want to enjoy the very talented (mostly non-Equity) cast seemingly having a grand time.

Don't see it if you don't like bare-bones off-off-off Broadway productions.

Also Standing out amongst the cast of 10: Carolyn Hartvigsen (Rosalind), Michael Maloney (Jacques), Leah Barker (Phebe), Austin Lucas (Orlando) & Roger Rathburn (Adam/Corin) (And yes, that is Roger Rathburn of No, No, Nanette fame)... Read more Read less

See it if You love Shakespeare and are looking for 90 minutes of fun and laughter.

Don't see it if You're looking for a flashy show. It's tiny, multiple characters are played by more than 1 person, 1 character is played by a puppet.

Also although the stage may be small, the show delivery more than made up for it. I don't think I stopped smiling the entire performance, and there's definitely something to be said for seeing Shakespeare performed when the actors are within a hands breadth of you.... Read more Read less

See it if you're familiar with & love Shakespeare. A recent visit to the Globe in London enhanced my appreciation for this production.

Don't see it if you need Broadway glitz. This is a bare- bones effort, no sets, minimal props, performance driven, some of which rapid & hard to understand

See it if you appreciate non gifted perfirmers enjoying thwmsoelves

Don't see it if you don't like nervous non gifted preeformens enjying themselves

Also nonetheless, it's a good play with several top noth performers done with enthusiasm and fun to hear again... Read more Read less