Students embrace bard comedy for NE Playhouse
by Bernie Scheffler, ne news editor

    William Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It, directed by University of Texas at Arlington’s John Dement, opened last night in the NE Playhouse.

   Dement, who received his M.F.A. from Louisiana State University, is currently the technical director with the UTA drama department.

   The play revolves around Rosalind, played by Kathryn Tyrone, who is the daughter of an exiled duke (Joshua Colson).

   The duke was banished by his evil brother Frederick (also Colson) so Frederick could usurp the dukedom.

   Rosalind, however, stays behind with Frederick’s daughter Celia (Tonya Stapleton) because the two were like sisters.

   Rosalind soon meets and falls in love with Orlando, played by James Fryar. Orlando proclaims himself to be the son of an old friend of the exiled duke.

   Rosalind is delighted, but the angry Frederick banishes her from his dukedom.

   Rosalind and Celia leave the dukedom for the forest together. Rosalind dresses as a young country boy, using the name Ganymede, and Celia dresses as a country girl, using the name Aliena.

   Of course, there are some close encounters with Ganymede and Orlando, as Orlando does not immediately recognize Rosalind in her disguise.

   Like most romantic comedies, this one has a happy ending.

   Orlando and Rosalind are married in a group wedding with other characters who fall in love during the course of the play.

   The play is light-hearted and amusing, with several scenes that include songs and joking banter.

   “This play moves quickly. You have to keep it moving quickly, or the comedy dies,” Dement said.

   Also included are several comic scenes with a clown named Touchstone, played by Eric Cherry.

   On a more serious note, the play features the ruminations of Jaques, played by James Robert Jr.

   A melancholy character, Jaques (Orlando’s brother) focuses on the negative aspects of life.

   The play is well-directed and the cast shows great command of the script.

   As You Like It runs through Saturday, with 8 p.m. shows each evening. There is also a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee.

   For ticket information, contact the NE Playhouse box office at 817-515-6687.