Shakespeare meets folk-pop in Mercyhurst Theatre’s joyous production of “As You Like It”
The Mercyhurst Theatre Program proudly presents its spring musical, “As You Like It,” a vibrant reinvention of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy created by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery, with music and lyrics by Taub. Originally developed through The Public Theater’s acclaimed Public Works initiative, this contemporary adaptation infuses the classic story with a folk-pop score and an uplifting message of community, belonging, and radical joy.
Forced from their homes, Orlando, Rosalind, and Celia escape to the Forest of Arden, a fantastical place of transformation, where all are welcomed and embraced. Lost amidst the trees, the refugees find community and acceptance under the stars.
Mercyhurst Theatre Director Dr. Brett D. Johnson helms the production, noting that he chose the musical, in part, because “it blends Shakespeare; folk, pop, and musical theatre idioms; and generous ensemble storytelling in a way that offers our students tremendous opportunities for artistic growth.”
Johnson also hopes the shows emotional center will resonate with audiences: “At its heart, the piece celebrates the freedom that comes when we step outside the roles we’ve been assigned and allow ourselves to imagine something new. It’s a joyful reminder that community is something we create together.”
Johnson has assembled a stellar creative team, including scenic designer Tucker Topel, lighting designer Madeleine Steineck, costume designer Kim Brown, choreographer Jennie Caruso, stage manager Sophia Schrader, and assistant stage managers Jolynn Durlin and Zack Yeager.
The production showcases twenty-three talented Mercyhurst students and one Mercyhurst alumnus: Haven Bills (Jaques), Braden Rosciszewski (Orlando), Michael Harper (Oliver), Abby Craig (Rosalind), Kat Kanazin (Celia), Noah Beiter (Touchstone), Maya Post (Duke Senior), Johnathon Morvay (Duke Frederick), Bella Mitlo (Silvia), Sophia Sidorowicz (Phoebe), Eric Page (Andy), Kate Bentley (Ensemble), Tori Brown (Ensemble), Connor Clark (Ensemble), Ermin Hucic (Ensemble), Addison Gay (Ensemble), Maddy Grieco (Ensemble), Sienna Griffith (Ensemble), Lydia Kopp (Ensemble), Amelia Montoni (Ensemble), Laci Morris (Ensemble), Emily Novakowski (Ensemble), Gabriella Tiesling (Ensemble), and Muriel Zollinger (Ensemble).
Performances will take place on from Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 26-28, at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, March 1, at 2 p.m., in Taylor Little Theatre on the Mercyhurst campus.
Single tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and non-Mercyhurst students, and $5 for youth and Mercyhurst students with I.D. Each order is subject to a $1.50 per ticket processing fee, regardless of purchase or payment method.
All performances are general admission, with doors opening thirty minutes prior to curtain.
Patrons can reserve their tickets online at miac.universitytickets.com, by phone at 814-824-3000 (Tues.-Thurs., noon to 5 p.m.), or at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center box office. Tickets will also be on sale at Taylor Little Theatre beginning 90 minutes before curtain.
For more information, visit miac.mercyhurst.edu.