Press Release: 2nd Wednesday Theater Presents “As You Like It” at Cotuit Center for the Arts

Cotuit Center for the Arts’ 2nd Wednesday Theater will present a staged reading of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” on Wednesday, August 8, at 7:30 PM on the Main Stage. Ed O’Toole directs.

Like so many other Shakespeare plays, “As You Like It” is a mad concoction of unlikely ingredients: a wrestling match, a wise guy comedian, an obsessed shepherd, a wise guy shepherd, a cynical know-it-all, a lion attack, and, like all Shakespeare comedies, a woman disguised as a man. But this time, it’s a woman disguised as a man who pretends to be a woman who then pretends to be a man.

Hope you got that.

Above all, however, “As You Like It” is a celebration of the inexplicable magic and overwhelming power of love in so many of its forms and guises: fraternal love, fatherly love, unrequited love, star-crossed love, love at first sight, infatuation, adoration, flirtation, and lust.

As O’Toole says, “there really is a love story for everyone here.”

The cast includes Molly Autery as the wondrous Rosaline, Anna McEntee as Phoebe, the supercilious shepherdess, Rachael Kenneally as the loyal Celia, and Deirdre Greelish as Audrey, the “country wench.”

Yohann Cadet is the guileless Orlando, and Jonathan Thompson his nasty brother Oliver. Mick Carlon is the cynical Jaques, and Rod Owens is the slightly less cynical Touchstone. Matt Kohler and Cleo Zani play the dastardly Duke Frederick and the gentle Duke Senior.

Keirnon McDermott will play both the elderly advisor Adam and the besotted shepherd Silvius. Larry Egan is the formidable wrestler Charles and also the country bumpkin William. Kevin Kenneally also does double-duty as the stuffy Reverend Martext and the crafty shepherd Corin. The protean Joe Lennon-Phillips plays the courtier LeBeau, the Lord Amiens, and Frederick’s henchman Dennis.

Second Wednesday Theater is a monthly play-reading series of rarely performed classics, undiscovered gems, and exciting new works. Admission is free, and wine is available for $5 a glass.

Cotuit Center for the Arts is at 4404 Route 28 in Cotuit. For more information, visit artsonthecape.org or call 508-428-0669.

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What:

2^nd Wednesday Theater presents “As You Like It” by William Shakespeare

Where:

Cotuit Center for the Arts, 4404 Route 28, Cotuit

When:

Wednesday, August 8, 7:30 PM

Admission:

Free

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