"As You Like It "
a review by James Harley

Despite the constant desire to re-invent Shakespeare for today's audience; few productions actually succeed. USC's staging of "As You Like It" is one of them.

It is one of the most enjoyable and accessible productions of the bard's work in recent memory.

The real star of the show is director Robert Richmond, who creates a constantly intriguing visual environment through his use of movement. Though there are moments when his ambition outpaces its execution, the integration of the actors with design elements results in a series of outstanding stage pictures.

With its upbeat, head-bobbing music and slow-motion action, the show is a visceral experience and separates itslef from other story-telling media by truly making the most of the three-dimensional presence that only live theater can achieve.

Examples of this are plentiful, but perhaps none better than a highly artistic fight scene, the quality of which is worth the price of admission.

The comedy focuses on Orlando and Rosalind, hyoung lovers forced by circumstance into exile in the forest of Arden.

Daryl Ball and Jennifer Fine give passable performances as Orlando and Rosalind, though they are overshadowed by the story's second couple, Oliver and Celia, played by Ben Blazer and Jennifer Burry.

Stealing scenes with their energy and timing were Michael Downey as Touchstone the jester and Patrick Kelly as Silvius, the hopelessly love-struck shepherd.