Preview of 'As You Like It' by Valley Stage Festival

Press release

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE: Valley Shakespeare Festival announces casting for its summer show, “AS YOU LIKE IT”

Love, laughter, and a whirlwind of mistaken identities are coming to the Valley this July as the Valley Shakespeare Festival presents As You Like It for their annual Free Shakespeare in the Park!
This madcap romantic comedy takes the stage July 10–13 at Veterans Memorial Park in Shelton and July 17–20 at Quarry Walk in Oxford, with all performances beginning at 7 PM.

Get ready for wrestling matches, wild disguises, and hilarious twists as Shakespeare’s iconic characters journey through the unpredictable Forest of Arden; a place bursting with romance, discovery, and nonstop surprises. It’s a fast-paced romp full of heart and humor that will leave audiences laughing and cheering for love.

“In 2015, we toured this play for fourth graders in Shelton, performing in a warm gymnasium. It was a joy to hear their laughter and gasps. I look forward to sharing this story with a wider audience!” says Tom Simonetti, Founder and Executive Director of Valley Shakespeare. This year, he directs and stars as both the villainous Duke Frederick and the melancholy Jaques, delivering the famous “All the world’s a stage” soliloquy. “Directing and acting in the play simultaneously is a challenge I welcome. Thankfully, I have played the role before, and I’m thrilled to work with such talented individuals who can handle the language, quick changes, and the unique spin that Valley Shakespeare Festival offers.”

The cast includes returning favorites and new talent. Siena D’Addario (The Importance of Being Earnest, The Winter’s Tale) stars as Rosalind, with Thomas Rudden (Much Ado About Nothing) as Orlando. Nathan Clift brings his comic chops as Touchstone, with Jim McMahon (Much Ado About Nothing on Tour) as Orlando’s brother, Oliver and newcomer Erin Williams (Florida Festival Rep) as Rosalind’s cousin, Celia. Audience favorites: Matt Mancuso* (Importance of Being Earnest and Complete Works of William Shakespeare) as the lovelorn Silvius, Christie Maturo* (Importance of Being Earnest and The Winter’s Tale) as the not-in-love Phoebe and Nick Roesler* (The Complete Works of William Shakespeare) as multiple roles including the wrestler Charles, Corin the shepherd and the “nice” duke, Duke Senior. (*A star denotes a member of Actors Equity, union for all professional stage actors and stage managers.)

"As You Like It" runs July 10–13 at Veterans Memorial Park, 38 Canal Street E., Shelton, and July 17–20 at Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road, Oxford. Performances begin at 7 PM. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $20 for adults and $10 for students. Bring a blanket, a lawn chair—and be transported to the Forest of Arden!