McKendree Students to Perform Shakespeare's As You Like It

Nov. 14-17 at the Hettenhausen Center

(LEBANON, Ill., October 24, 2019) — A large ensemble cast of McKendree University students will perform “As You Like It,” William Shakespeare’s romantic tale of love, conflict and uncertainty, Nov. 14-17 at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts. Evening performances are Nov. 14-16 at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on Nov. 17 at 2:30 p.m.

Admission is free; no tickets are required. The Hett will open for general admission seating 30 minutes prior to show time.

“Shakespeare still has a lot to say, even 400 years later,” said Director Michelle Radke Magnussen. “This show is about love overcoming obstacles. The characters are facing a lot of conflict and uncertainty. While their situations aren’t specifically ones we face now, I think we can all relate to the feeling that life is uncertain and our path may not be clear.”

“As You Like It” ends with hope and joy, she said. “There are four weddings; four couples who have triumphed over many difficulties to get to the place where they can pledge their commitment to each other. There is also justice—all has been made right in the world of the play.”

Magnussen directs a classical play—usually Shakespeare—at least once every four years. “It’s important for students to have the experience of working on a show written in what is really another language for them,” she said. “Shakespeare’s poetry is beautiful and students learn a lot through tackling the difficult project of understanding it and being able to communicate it to the audience. Acting Shakespeare requires a high degree of discipline and focus. Unlike shows written in contemporary language, his words demand that the actor memorize and say them exactly as they are on the page. It is easy to hear if the actor is paraphrasing because the rhythm sounds off.”

Taking on the challenge are student cast members Amanda Morgan, Loren Terveer, JD Lindley, Hunter Tucker, C. Jaide Watts, Alexis Allender, Kae Edgcomb, Virginia Parkinson, Korenna Anderson, Emily Lease, Jacob Wilson, Elizabeth Birkner, Rosaline Dedo, Madeline Trinity, Chris McMillan, Codi Smith, Kayla Arnold, Alexis Patch and Haley Rey. Parkinson and Terveer are also assistant directors.

Stage Manager Emily Harper, a technical theatre major, designed the set as her senior capstone project. Other crew members are Andrew Letscher, props; Matthew Wilder, original music; Makenna Kramer, light board and lighting design assistance; Brooke McMillan and Elijah Skubish.

 

-McK-