University of Arkansas Presents William Shakespeare's 'As You Like It'

Emily Tomlinson and Whitney Masters

Emily Tomlinson and Whitney Masters

Whitney Masters and Kieran Cronin

Kyle Smiley and Emily Tomlinson

Stephanie Faatz Murry and Kyle Smiley

Chris Hecke, Kieran Cronin and Nathaniel Hecke

Photo Submitted

Emily Tomlinson as Celia and Whitney Masters as Rosalind

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas department of drama will present one of William Shakespeare’s most popular comedies as its final show for the 2013-14 season. As You Like It will run April 18-27 at the University Theatre.

As You Like It features a cast of colorful characters who embark on romantic adventures. This beloved comedy takes place in the Forest of Arden and is full of laughs as four couples juggle love, confusion and one gender-bending disguise. The play is the origin of such famous phrases as “all the world’s a stage and “too much of a good thing.”

The department of drama’s production is 90 minutes long and features music and dancing as part of the show. It is directed by visiting instructor Morgan Hicks, with scenic design by guest designer Adam Miecielica, a University of Arkansas alumnus. The cast includes graduate and undergraduate students.

Performances are at 8 p.m. April 18-19 and April 23-26 and at 2 p.m. April 20 and 27. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and University faculty and staff, and $7 for children. Tickets for University of Arkansas students with a valid university ID are free for the Wednesday and Thursday performances and $3 for all other performances. Tickets are available online or by calling 479-575-4752.

The department of drama in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences has been providing exciting and affordable live theatre for more than 60 years. The department combines a first-rate theatrical education, including hands-on experience, with a wide selection of titles to challenge students and delight the community. The department produces eight shows a year: four large-scale productions in the University Theatre and four smaller shows in the Studio Series. Shows range from new works to classic favorites, from period pieces to Broadway musicals. For more information, visit the deparrtment’s website.

Cast and Crew

The cast includes graduate students Kieran Cronin (Orlando), Chris Hecke (Duke Senior), Nate Stahlke (Jaques), Missy Maramara (Phebe) and Stephanie Fraatz (Audrey) and undergraduate students Whitney Masters (Rosalind), Emily Tomlinson (Celia), Grant Hockenbrough (Duke Fredrick and Jaques de Boys), Kyle Smiley (Touchstone), Curtis Longfellow (Oliver), Colin Bennett (Silvius), Willi Goehrig (Lord Amiens and Charles), Adam Rose (Adam), Connor Weeks (Corin and Sir Oliver Martext), Kyle Kelesoma (William) and Kara Geoge (Madame LeBeau and Hymen).

Crew members include Cayla Greer (costume design), Nicole Thompson (costume shop manager, Brittany Taylor (house manager), Jacob Hofer (lighting design) and Jacquelyn Cox (lighting crew) and undergraduate students Maggie Ferran (stage manager), Dominique Bonilla and Katie-Beth Thomas (assistant stage manager), Michelle Benton, Tiffany Bounkhog and Robin Okimoto (first hand), Kenny Fitch (light board operator), Justin Spaethe (lighting crew), Sarah Compton (makeup design), Lydia Winkelmann (paint charge), Maehan Hickerson (scenic crew), Jesus Rivera (sound design), Emily Ryan Breakell (assistant props design), Madeline brown (assistant set manager), Priscilla White (wardrobe head) and Alejandra Gonzalez, Tiara Hudson, Jade Novak, Justin Rainey, Zach Stolz and Dani Walsh (wardrobe crew).

Graduate students Bob Hart and Rachel Washington will manage the box office and undergraduate student Anna Knight will serve as head usher.

The students were guided by faculty members Morgan Hicks (director), Patricia Martin (costume design mentor), Shawn Irish (lighting design mentor), Michael Riha (scenic design mentor) and Valerie Lane (costume shop mentor).