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All
the World’s a Stage in Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s Promenade
Production of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”
Children’s
Theatre of Charlotte presents Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” from February
19-27 at ImaginOn. Intended for young adult audiences, this version of
Shakespeare’s wise and witty comedy about love is staged promenade style in an
updated modern setting.
The
production follows charming, beautiful Rosaline as, disguised as a boy for
safety, she flees the intrigue and persecution of her uncle’s court for the
Forest of Arden. In search of her exiled father and his band of supporters, she
encounters her true love Orlando, also exiled from court. Can Rosaline win his
heart, disguised as she is? Rich with Shakespeare’s eloquent language, this
playful story about mistaken identity highlights the transformative power of
love.
In this
version of “As You Like It,” all the world truly is a stage. In a first for
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, the performance happens promenade style, with
the actors and audience moving from space to space within ImaginOn’s public
areas. Director Matt Cosper creatively uses the architecture of ImaginOn and
minimal scenic elements to contrast the conspiracy-filled court atmosphere with
the pastoral freedom of the forest.
“Shakespeare
remains relevant because his worldview is all encompassing,” says Cosper.
“The play presents us with deft portraits of every kind of love imaginable, so
that the central story of Rosalind and Orlando is surrounded and contextualized
by a virtual encyclopedia of love."
The cast of
“As You Like It” includes fifteen talented high school students and
professional adult actors Jef Bailey and Barney Baggett.
Performance
times and dates are below. Because of the unique promenade staging of this
production and to ensure the best audience experience, limited tickets are
available. Due to strong demand, all currently scheduled performances are sold
out, but Children’s Theatre of Charlotte plans to add additional performances.
Tickets for these additional performances will go on sale Monday, February 8.
Friday,
February 19, 7:30 pm (SOLD OUT)
Saturday,
February 20, 7:30 pm (SOLD OUT)
Wednesday,
February 24, 7:30 pm (SOLD OUT)
Thursday,
February 25, 7:30 pm (SOLD OUT)
Friday,
February 26, 7:30 pm (SOLD OUT)
Saturday,
February 27, 7:30 pm (SOLD OUT)
Performances
will be held at ImaginOn, 300 East 7th Street. All tickets are
$10.00. For tickets to the productions, call the Children’s Theatre Box Office
at 704-973-2828 (10 am-5 pm, Mon.-Fri.) or visit our website: www.ctcharlotte.org.
For ages 12+/Grades 8+
Children’s
Theatre of Charlotte is supported, in part, with an Operating Grant from the
Arts & Science Council, Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Inc. and the North Carolina
Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.
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