“As You Like It” Under the Big Top

A group of student actors in costume pose on a colorful set.
“As You Like It” Under the Big Top
Westmark Staff

For the sold-out Upper School Fall Play, audiences stepped right up to a whimsical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

Following up on its productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth in the prior two seasons, Westmark’s Theater Arts Department took on the Bard’s famed pastoral romantic comedy … but with a twist on the setting. The characters ventured in and out of a different sort of Forest of Arden, one that drew from the enchanting world of the circus. Margot Fitzsimmons, Theater Arts Teacher and Theatrical Director, explained, “I was inspired to infuse As You Like It with joy and spectacle. In our production, the play's characters transform, adapt, defy expectations, and explore the possibilities—much like how circus performers push boundaries and dazzle the senses under the big top.”

To add to the vibrancy, the show was set to original music, written by composer Elijah Thomas, that evoked the high energy of the Big Band era. In the closing double-wedding scene, the cast performed a lively swing-dance number, choreographed by Joanne Tan, Upper School Science Teacher.

Relive the theatrical experience in this slideshow.

Two student actors on stage in costume act during a play.

Oliver (left) plots against his exiled younger brother, Orlando, with the court wrestler, Charles (right).

Three student actors with their backs to the camera face another actor on stage during a play.

The courtier Le Beau (at top of stairs) addresses Rosalind and Celia—niece and daughter of Duchess Frederica—and the court jester, Touchstone.

Two student actor mimic fighting while other actors look on during a play.

Charles (left) and Orlando (right) wrestle, while Duchess Frederica (dressed in red) and the court look on.

Three student actors on stage during a play.

Duchess Frederica (center) scolds her daughter, Celia (right), for standing by her cousin, Rosalind, even though the Duchess has banished Rosalind.

Two student actors in costume on stage during a play.

The lord Jaques (left) delivers the famed "All the world's a stage" monologue, speaking to Duke Senior (right), who has been banished by his sister the Duchess and is now part of the circus troupe in the Forest of Arden.

A student actor leaning on a wooden broom handle in costume during a play.

The shepherd Corin offers the newly banished Rosalind and her companions a place to stay in the Forest of Arden.

A student actor reads from several pieces of paper while in costume during a play.

Now in exile, Rosalind—disguised as a man named Ganymede—holds love letters from her beloved, Orlando.

A student actor in costume rests one foot on a wooden box while another actor looks on during a play.

Having accompanied Rosalind and Celia into exile, Touchstone (left) meets Audrey (right) in the forest and falls in love.

Two student actors lean on each other while in costume during a play.

Celia (right) lends support to Rosalind (right), still dressed as Ganymede, when they learn that Orlando has been wounded by a lion.

Two student actors face each other while in costume during a play.

Touchstone (left) chases off William (right), suitor to Audrey, because Touchstone and Audrey are now betrothed.

A student actor puts their hands on their hips while another actor looks on during a play.

Phebe (center) is loved by Silvia (rear). But Phoebe has fallen for Ganymede, whom she doesn’t realize is actually Rosalind!

Four student actors on stage in costume during a play.

Reinstated in the court at last, Duke Senior gives his blessing to the marriage of Celia and Oliver.

Four student actors in costumes on stage during a play.

Guests dance at the double wedding of Celia and Oliver and Rosalind and Orlando.

A group of student actors on stage surrounded by scenery during a play.

Newlyweds Orlando and Rosalind dance center stage at their wedding.

 

A group of student actors dance while on stage during a play.

The double wedding is a celebratory event for all!

A large group of student actors sit on stage surrounded by scenery during a play.

At the conclusion of the play, Rosalind (far left) delivers a sweet epilogue, wishing all the lovers in the audience well.