Bainbridge Performing Arts’ seventh annual Summertime Shakespeare performance, “As You Like It,” will again be staged outside, on the picturesque grounds of Bloedel Reserve.
The production offers a dramatic summer evening appropriate for all ages.
Widely considered to be one of Shakespeare’s finest comedies, “As You Like It” offers something for everyone: villainy, romance, humor and a happy ending.
This adventurous tale from the Forest of Arden combines the flavor of “Robin Hood” with romance around every tree. It is a story of disguise and love triangles, and all of the confusion gets sorted out in the end.
This season marks director Kristi Ann Jacobson’s seventh year with BPA Shakes and her fifth year on the production team. Her love for the Bard’s text began at university and continued with an intensive study at RADA in London and a two-year intensive study/internship with Theatricum Botanicum.
She leads a cast featuring BPA favorites and newcomers alike, including Gavin Michaels, Will Langemack, Kristopher Jones, James Milton, Amanda Rae Pease, Citori Luecht, Gary Fetterplace, Laura Knight, Jaron Boggs, Chapple Langemack, Charles Smith, Liam Sanchez, Penny Lukkasson, and Logan Smith.
The Bloedel Reserve is an internationally renowned public garden and forest preserve whose mission is to “enrich people’s lives through a premier public garden of natural and designed Pacific Northwest landscapes.” The BPA Shakespeare Society’s summertime performance aligns seamlessly with the founder’s vision “to provide refreshment and tranquility in the presence of natural beauty.”
Picnics (and set up for picnics) will be allowed in the meadow after 6 p.m., though beer and wine will neither be sold nor permitted at this year’s event due to regulations of the Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board.
Slightly more than two hours long, the production has one intermission.
Patrons are advised to bring low lawn chairs; there is limited blanket seating available. Staff members will assist patrons upon their arrival in the meadow. Seating on blankets will be in front; seating in elevated chairs will be in the back.
Space is limited, and seating is first-come, first-served.
As there is no ADA parking close to the stage, patrons requiring handicap access can make use of a shuttle drop-off at the stage area. Patrons shall note that the audience area is a grassy region and that there is no paved access to the meadow.
“As You Like It” appears at the Bloedel Reserve (7571 NE Dolphin Drive) on July 11-14, July 18-21, July 24-26 and July 28, plus a special pay-what-you-can preview on July 10.
All performances are at 7 p.m. Visit www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org for ticket pricing and more information.
