Booked & Scene

Directed by Steven Maler, CSC’s As You Like It transforms Boston Common into a forest buzzing with music, romance, and quick-footed comedy. The production is a lively mix of physical humor, sharp timing, and moments of tenderness, all while leaning into the joy and chaos of Shakespeare’s pastoral world. This staging keeps the energy high—sometimes literally, with actors racing up and down stair ladders—and delivers a show that’s equal parts charm and craft.

Running the Show—Literally

Nora Eschenheimer’s Rosalind is a force. She is working on that stage from jumping, climbing, darting, slinking, wooing, exasperating; she is rarely still for more than a heartbeat. Her physicality is matched by her sharp vocal choices, making the switch between Rosalind and her male disguise, Ganymede, clear and clever. The chemistry with Michael Underhill’s Orlando crackles, whether in flirty banter or playful sparring, and her back-and-forth with Clara Hevia’s Celia adds another layer of warmth and wit.

Underhill, for his part, is every bit her match. He throws himself into Orlando with a balance of boyish charm and emotional depth, moving seamlessly from love-struck wordplay to tense family drama. His ease with the language makes the story approachable, and his energy keeps pace with Eschenheimer’s in a way that makes their scenes a highlight of the night.

No Weak Links in the Chain

If the leads shine, the supporting cast glows just as brightly. Maurice Emmanuel Parent commands the stage in his dual roles as Duke Senior and Duke Frederick, drawing laughs without undercutting the authority of his characters. Clara Hevia’s Celia is a delight to watch, even in the background, her facial expressions are their own subplot, heightening every scene she’s in.

Joshua Olumide once again proves his versatility as Oliver, moving from threatening older brother to a man in love with a believable arc. Jared Troilo’s Amiens brings music and levity, filling the Common with songs you’ll wish you could hear on repeat, while Peter DiMaggio (Jaques de Boys/Forester) supports him beautifully with live instrumentation. John Kuntz’s Touchstone earns genuine belly laughs, and his act two monologue is a whirlwind of perfectly delivered wordplay.

Music to Our Ears

David Reiffel’s music composition and direction add richness and momentum to the production, making the play feel alive from start to finish. Aubrey Dube’s sound design layers in lovely, specific touches, like the plunk of a fishing line hitting water, that make the setting vivid. Even the scene transitions feel purposeful thanks to thoughtful audio cues. And the fight choreography by Ryan Winkles? The opening brawl is an instant hook, setting the tone for a night of dynamic, physical storytelling.

A Few Twigs in the Gears

The costume design didn’t quite land, blending more ornate pieces with modern casual wear in a way that felt more jarring than intentional: from the clash of patterns to the choice of jeans I couldn’t place what time period we were going for. The chain railings on the stair-ladders also proved distracting, their metallic jangle bleeding into the sound mix. And while Shakespeare’s comedies are rarely short, at two hours and almost forty minutes (with intermission), this one could benefit from a trim to keep the pacing as brisk as its strongest scenes.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

CSC continues to set the bar for accessible, high-quality free theater in Boston. With open captioning at every performance, ASL-interpreted and audio-described shows, tactile stage tours, and reserved spaces for audience members with disabilities, the company makes sure everyone can enjoy Shakespeare on the Common. Judging by the packed lawn, audiences are more than happy to turn out for it.

Between the lively music, quick-witted performances, and undeniable chemistry onstage, As You Like It delivers on humor and heart. If you’ve been waiting for the right reason to see Shakespeare outdoors this summer, this final weekend is it. As You Like It runs through August 10 and is free to attend, reserved premium seats are available and can be purchased here. 

📸: Nile Scott Studios