Shakespeare in the Parking Lot returns to 145 Stanton Street for its 31st season of pavement soliloquies on July 16 with a production of “As You Like It.”
This iteration reimagines the Forest of Arden as the Lower East Side– “a haven where artists, outsiders and free spirits seek refuge from an increasingly authoritarian world. Shakespeare’s tale of exile, resistance, community and renewal feels remarkably contemporary, while the play’s exuberant romance and humor remain delightfully intact. Expect political intrigue, a spectacular wrestling match, and a fresh interpretation of Phoebe and Silvius as older lovers, reminding us that the joys, confusions and absurdities of love belong to every age.”
The team notes that many audience favorites return from last season’s acclaimed production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” including Andy Rowell (Touchstone), Lia Bonfilio (Rosalind), Thammie Laine Guac (Celia), Patrick Hart (Orlando), Emanuel Elpenord (Oliver), Bob Arcaro (Adam), Chris Martel (Duke Senior/Duke Frederick), Carly Grissom (Denise/Audrey), Raphael del Rio (Charles), David Marantz (Jaques), Elowyn Castle (Corinne), Adama Joy Sall (Amiens), Lizabeth Allen (Phoebe) and Dan Teachout (Silvius). Production design and Direction is by Hamilton Clancy, with Alessandro Colla serving as Assistant Director.
The production also features original music by Adama Joy Sall and Thammie Laine Guac, along with songs by Natalie Smith and Andrew Gombas that originated in earlier Shakespeare in the Parking Lot productions.
Admission is free and donations are encouraged. Chairs are provided on a first come first serve basis and audience members are invited to bring their own.
The show runs through August 1, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:00 PM, in the parking lot next to Lower East Side Prep.
