ATHENS W.Va. (Hinton News) – The Appalachian Shakespeare Project (ASP) celebrates its fifteen-year anniversary this summer with a new production of one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, As You Like It, a romantic comedy which tells the story of two young lovers who flee from a corrupt court to seek their happiness in the Forest of Arden. The production will be presented on the campus of Concord University in front of the Alexander Fine Arts building at 6:00 PM on July 26 and 27.
Executive Director and Concord University professor, Dr. Gabriel Rieger has long looked forward to presenting As You Like It. “This play is one of the funniest of all of Shakespeare’s comedies. It reads a little like a pastoral comedy – a play about shepherds and shepherdesses out in the fields – but then Shakespeare adds these sophisticated city characters fleeing from the court, and the comedy builds from there” said Dr. Rieger. “I am fortunate to be working with a great new director, Karen Harvey who has performed with us for several years now. We are working with an outstanding group of actors, as well as our very talented returning costumer Chris Bone.”
The lead roles of Rosalind and Orlando will be played by ASP veteran actors Leanna Castro and Zachariah James, respectively. “These two have both done outstanding work for us in the past,” said Rieger, “and they have great chemistry together.”
“I’m grateful to have this opportunity to work on such a wonderful and fun production,” said Castro. “I’ve met so many talented and passionate people. This summer has been such an amazing experience.”
James echoes Castro’s sentiments. “This has been my fourth year with the ASP and I wish I had joined sooner. Being a part of this team has led to develop some great friendships and taught me a whole new way of acting performance that I’ve learned to incorporate in my classes.”
Also returning to this year’s production is Karen Harvey, who made her debut with the ASP playing Gertrude in their 2019 production of Hamlet. This summer, she is serving as director as well as taking on the role of the villainous Duchess Freida, who has usurped the duchy from her sister, the rightful Duchess. Karen Harvey is an experienced actor and director whose most recent credits include Four Old Broads for Dogwood Theatricals. “We’re very fortunate that Karen has joined us again this summer,” said Rieger. “Karen’s experience and craft are always an inspiration to younger cast members, and her direction this summer is really elevating our production.”
“This is the most fun show I’ve worked on,” says Harvey. “I look forward to it every summer now, and I appreciate the Appalachian Shakespeare Project providing me with this opportunity.”
The Appalachian Shakespeare Project is a community theater organization founded in the summer of 2010 to present actor-and-audience-focused outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s plays in order to provide the community with an enjoyable and educational theater experience. This summer’s play will be offered under some conditions similar to those Shakespeare’s own company encountered. Much like Elizabethan acting troupes, this summer’s actors will perform with limited scenic pieces. The outdoor shows will be presented under natural lighting condition and audience members are encouraged to bring camp chairs and blankets and to come early with picnic dinners. The show has an estimated running time of two and a half hours.
Anyone seeking more information about the Appalachian Shakespeare Project is encouraged to contact the Executive Director and Concord University Professor, Dr. Gabriel Rieger at grieger@concord.edu or 304-384-5251.
