As You Like It Reviews

The Boston Globe - Recommended

"...For Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's (CSC) founding artistic director Steven Maler, "As You Like It" is more than the Bard's lush pastoral comedy. In his capacity as the director of the play's production on the Common, which runs through Aug. 10, the permissive title is an invitation to reimagine the play's place, time, and temperament as he likes it."

WBUR - Recommended

"...Throughout the show, the ensemble members shine. Parent commands attention during an angry scene where he, as Duke Frederick, accuses Rosalind of treachery, banishes her, and threatens to kill her if she is found near the court. Clara Hevia lights up the stage when bursting with glee for her cousin's newfound beau, running around the forest - beautifully depicted by scenic designer Riw Rakkulchon - teasing Rosalind good-naturedly."

Joyce's Choices - Highly Recommended

"...This is the 29th summer of Commonwealth Shakespeare's Company's FREE production of Shakespeare on Boston Common and it is, indeed, AS YOU LIKE IT. I like it too! Directed by CSC's Artistic Director Steven Maler, this is an exuberant, out of the box, big as all outdoors production of one of my favorite Shakespeare comedies. Here the Forest of Arden is a jungle where pairs of lovers and royal brothers are banished by jealous despots and relegated to the wilds of nature where anything can happen and does. A world away from the corruption of court, identities and fortunes shift, new paths are forged, and love grows on trees!"

The Arts Fuse - Recommended

"...I like my stagings of As You Like It to cut against the script's sanguinity, but the high spirits and tolerance in this enjoyable production supports Maler's claim that this comedy is about expats striving for "a more balanced, egalitarian society." A useful vision these days, what with the outbreak of rampant cruelty among so many "hard hearts.""