Review: 'As You Like It' Finds Its Magic with a Talented Cast

"As You Like It" is one of Shakespeare's most famous comedies, although in my opinion, it is not exactly his best work. Roundabout Productions has assembled a skilled cast of performers who exhibit plenty of enthusiasm and passion, even though the story they find themselves involved with is nothing special.

The focus is on romance. Orlando (Christopher Francis) is treated badly by his older brother, Oliver (Han Lambert). Orlando needs to blow off some steam, so he challenges the court wrestler Charles (Mark Prokes) to a fight.

Rosalind (Emily Rizza) and her friend Celia (Hannah Joy Kohler) watch the vicious battle. Rosalind falls in love with Orlando. Unfortunately, the evil Duke Frederick (Jim Cannizzaro) has banished Rosalind from his court.

Rosalind and Celia seek refuge in the Forest of Arden, where Rosalind disguises herself as a man named Ganymede, while Celia masquerades as his sister, Aliena. Meanwhile, Silvius (Oliver Bridges) is smitten with Phoebe (Kaz Beck), who becomes infatuated with Ganymede. At the same time, Ganymede is trying to cure Orlando of his love for Rosalind... even though he really is Rosalind.

Shakespeare has explored this territory before, and to greater effect, in "Twelfth Night" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The same creative spark which infused those stories with such joy is missing here. There's no real suspense or doubt about the outcome. As a result, it's hard to care who ends up with who. It's just very by the numbers.

What I found enjoyable about this production, directed by Lori Beck, were the performances. Rizza pulls off the two roles of Rosalind and Ganymede quite effectively. Rosalind is defiant and strong-willed as she defends her exiled father. Ganymede is witty and assertive as he coaches Orlando in the ways of love.

Melanie Carrazzo delivers offbeat eccentricity as Touchstone, the pink-haired court jester. Michael Pugliese, who played Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman," is a sheer delight as Jaques, one of the Duke Senior's noblemen; Jaques delivers one of Shakespeare's best-known speeches, beginning with "all the world's a stage."

If happy endings are what you are looking for, then "As You Like It" offers many of them. There's a mass wedding, followed by a spirited dance. Like the rest of the play, it's all very pleasant and upbeat, if kind of innocuous.

Roundabout Productions' "As You Like It" runs through June 28 at Robert Coelho Middle School, 99 Brown St., Attleboro. Run time is 2 hours 40 minutes with intermission. For tickets, visit https://roundaboutproductions.org.