Commonwealth Shakespeare Brings "As You Like It" to Boston Common for Free Summer Run

Tony nominee Paul Michael Valley joins cast

As You Like It, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common, July 23 — August 10. No charge. For more information, go to www.commshakes.org

Steve Maler is excited about staging "As You Like It" on the Boston Common this summer. Speaking to the South End News just prior to rehearsals, the Commonwealth Shakespeare artistic director described what he called "the riches" of this multifaceted Shakespearean comedy. In particular, he focused on the uniqueness of heroine Rosalind and the strong egalitarianism that eventually dominates the play.

Rosalind, Maler observed, is a kind of "female Hamlet." While the daughter of vanished Duke Senior is obviously not a tragic figure, the CSC artistic director submitted that "she's clearly the smartest person in the play." In particular, Maler noted, "she teaches Orlando (the young hero in conflict with his difficult brother Oliver) what it means to be in love." Shakespeare buffs will know that Rosalind and her supportive cousin Celia don disguises before escaping the court of the latter's father Duke Frederick and traveling to the forest of Arden. Here they join the former's father Duke Senior. Referring to the cousins' solidarity, Maler contended, "I think their bond is a very special one."

Calling Duke Frederick "a paranoid dictator," Maler singled out the brutality of the court wrestling. "It's a culture that celebrates violence. It's a kind of Coliseum." Describing the look of court scenes, he said, "It (the court) will feel like 20th century fascist regimes. At the same time, the CSC director admitted "Shakespeare is really highlighting the absurdity of court practice."

At the same time, Maler expressed great enthusiasm for the play's rural scenes. "I love the play in the forest. It feels as though Chekhov takes over. Color takes over. There is a more relaxed feel. The color of Rousseau (the painter Henri Rousseau) is an inspiration for the forest." The differences between the court and the forest notwithstanding, Maler hopes that the CSC staging will demonstrate "how one creates community."

Maler is very much looking forward to the efforts of his talented cast and crew in creating that community. Nora Eschenheimer will be playing Rosalind, and Michael Underhill will portray Orlando. CSC fans may remember the chemistry between them in the earlier company revival of "The Tempest" — in which they strongly portrayed Miranda and Ferdinand.

Paul Michael Valley — a Tony award nominee (a recent revival of "1776") — will tackle the pivotal role of philosophical Jaques and the character's famous 'The Seven Ages of Man' speech. John Kuntz will play the insightful clown Touchstone — with his own septet about the degrees of human lies. Gifted actor Maurice Emmanuel Parent will take on the daunting task of playing both Duke Senior and Duke Frederick. Clara Hevia will play Celia, and Joshua Olumide will portray initially tough Oliver with whom she will be romantically involved. Brooks Reeves will portray older servant — confidant Adam, whom Maler calls "the moral conscience of the court world." Adam, he added, is "sort of an icon for how one should live." Rich-voiced Jared Troilo — portraying Amien — will deliver the nobleman's song with a melody created by composer — music director David Reiffel. Celebrated choreographer Peter DiMuro will design movement, and actor Ryan Winkles (last year's exuberant CSC revival of "The Winter's Tale") will create fight choreography.

In addition to reflections on "mismatched understanding of what leadership looks like," audiences will get "that slice of life that you imagine Shakespeare grew up with," he said.