Berkshire on Stage

I’ve seen more than my share of professional Shakespeare productions in beautiful, controlled theater spaces. And say what you will for such productions, but I’ve never seen a troupe of professional Shakespearean actors engage with a group of crowing roosters in the middle of their performance. Nor have I ever had the pleasure of watching a dog wander onto the stage of a professional theater during a performance. But these are things that I got to witness at the Rooted Voyageurs production of As You Like It at Stable Gate Winery; to the cast’s credit, they took it all in stride with humor and spontaneity.

The Rooted Voyageurs are a travelling Shakespeare troupe who perform accessible abridgements of Shakespearean plays throughout the Hudson Valley, bringing theater to the people rather than expecting people to come to the theater. This means that the actors must be ready for whatever comes with each new environment. In many ways it also makes them similar to the travelling theater troupes that were popular in Shakespeare’s time, making for an authentic, spirited, and occasionally chaotic (in the best ways) Shakespeare experience. If you’re a hardcore Shakespeare fan, this should be plenty to pique your interest. If you are not already a Shakespeare fan, these shortened and articulate productions can be an excellent entry-point for Shakespeare novices.

I saw The Rooted Voyageur’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream last year and had a delightful time. But As You Like It is a more challenging play in many ways. Luckily, The Rooted Voyageurs rise to the occasion and their love for the material is on full display. With a small cast, most actors play multiple characters and some minor characters are cut completely, but each and every member of the troupe of eight is exceptionally talented. Madeline Weltcheck leads the show as Orlando, and their command of Shakespeare’s language is immediately obvious. Taylor Slonaker and Abigail St. John are captivating as the dynamic duo of Shakespearean heroines, Rosalind and Celia. And while this is a comedy where all players get their share of quips, the comedic stylings of Meg Kimble (as the jester, Touchstone) and Tanya Gorlow (as the lovestruck shepherd, Silvius) are unmatched. 

With the cast doubling as multiple characters, the costumes are simple and focused on ease of changing outfits. The troupe brings a few set pieces around which they use to create a stage space, but for the most part this is a bare-bones production that focuses on the language of Shakespeare and the presence of the actors, to great effect.

So whether you are a hardcore Shakespeare enthusiast, a total newbie, or somewhere in between, you’ll be able to appreciate what The Rooted Voyageurs offer. Their current production of As You Like It is a high-energy, humorous romp through one of Shakespeare’s lesser known comedies. It is accessible for those not used to Shakespearean language, but expertly performed by a troupe whose talents will impress any Shakespeare snob. I encourage everyone to check The Rooted Voyageur’s performance calendar to see where you can catch As You Like It.

The Rooted Voyageurs present As You Like It by William Shakespeare, directed by Devante Owens. View the performance schedule at https://therootedvoyageurs.com/shows-events-1. Featuring Abigail St. John as Celia/Jaques, Cole Seitz as Amiens/Oliver, Kirsten Mulrenan as LeBeau/Phoebe, Madeline Weltchek as Orlando/Audrey, Meg Kemble as Touchstone, Shannon Bell as Duke Senior/Duke Frederick, Tanya Gorlow as Charles/Silvius, Taylor Slonaker as Rosalind/Sir Olover Martext.

Admission is free. Runs approximately 75 minutes with no intermission. Contains mild violence. Recommended for ages 8+. Visit https://therootedvoyageurs.com for more information.