Lawrence.com

Gender roles, love, and politics are explored in Shakespeare's pastoral comedy set in the magical Forest of Arden, and produced by EMU Theatre.The bard's classic tale of gender swapping and romance will be presented by EMU Theatre this spring - and, for the first time in EMU history - the show will be held outdoors. Lawrence's South Park will play host; the show will then move on to Kansas City, MO at the Just Off Broadway theater grounds. Lawrence dates include May 4th, 5th, and 6 at 6pm, with noon matinees on the 5th and 6th in South Park at 11th and Massachusetts St.. The show will be in Kansas City May 12th and 13th at 6pm, with a noon matinee on the 13th at 3051 Central. Tickets are available at the door only, $6 per person."By staging the production outdoors we can bring some of the magic of Arden - the fictional forest - and of nature into the production. Plus, spring is so wonderful on Kansas and Missouri, I thought it'd be a great opportunity for audiences to bring picnic baskets and enjoy the weather", said Laura-McCabe, director. "As You Like It" features more songs than any other Shakespearian play. The music in this production, composed by KU student Jordy Altman, incorporates blue grass and folk genres. "As You Like It" is one of Shakespeare's earliest and most beloved comedies. It concerns a young lady, Rosalind, who's uncle banishes first her father and later herself to the forest. Rosalind steals away with her cousin, Celia, and disguises herself as a man for their protection. While in the forest Rosalind meets her true love, Orlando, but she is dressed as a man! She takes advantage of the situation and seizes the opportunity to test Orlando's love for her by introducing herself as "Ganymede", a young man. While in the forest Rosalind and Celia also meet many shepherds, poets and skeptics as these two ladies learn to negotiate their love lives as they like it.The production stars Christina Schafer, Overland Park KS, and R. Troy Hirsch, Lawrence KS. The production also features Lawrencians Jordy Altman, Blake Bolan, Steve Ducey, Jonathan Matteson, Katherine McRobbie, Laura Rose, Todd Schwartz, Val Smith, Lara Thomas and Jason Bradbury, Overland Park, KS. EMU is a not-for-profit theatre company based in Lawrence, KS, committed to presenting innovative and exciting new work to the community. E.M.U. Theatre Inc. Is an inclusive association of individuals dedicated to mounting projects which foster a spirit of cooperation and artistic growthamong all artists working in theatre.