"As You Like It"

When paying $11 for a ticket to the theatre, one might expect an $11 performance. Luckily, that was not the case at all! Brooklyn Academy of Music's (BAM) 2nd year of The Bridge Project brings "As You Like It" and "The Tempest" to New York. The Bridge Project is a three-year, transatlantic partnership uniting BAM, The Old Vic, and Neal Street Productions. Last year was "The Cherry Orchard" and "A Winter's Tale".

Again, student-rush tickets make theatre possible! Orchestra seating provided an excellent view of this talented performance. Its wonderful to experience a Shakespeare play for the first time when performed by well-trained actors on a professional stage. The young actress playing Rosalind was absolutely delightful. So charming and enjoyable to watch. The actor as Orlando seemed a bit distant for my liking and his voice was so airy I never felt his strength. Overall, the play was a delight and the 3 hours flew by.

As I left the theatre (and had the longest trip home-- there is no fast way from Brooklyn to Queens) I felt stirred in a way that I hadn't in a long time. My heart was still in the theatre. I've felt this many times before. I cannot pinpoint the determining factors that will leave me with this feeling of want, but its a feeling of never wanting it to end because I want to be doing it. I cannot articulate this very well, but if you've felt it you know what I mean. You desire so much to participate in what you're experiencing that simply watching it, enjoying it and applauding it are not sufficient. You must live it! This is why we act!