Fortunes and comic misadventures

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players,” from William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” likens human life to a theatrical performance. This summer, you can enjoy that stage and its performing players in this ebullient romantic comedy presented by the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, running from July 15 through August 8. Bring an outdoor picnic to the Tisbury Amphitheater, and be entertained by people you might know.

“As You Like It,” written around 1599, is a delightful pastoral comedy in which disguise and role-playing are central to the story. Set in the Forest of Arden, the play follows the fortunes and misadventures of the banished young noblewoman Rosalind, who dresses as a young man named Ganymede to seek refuge alongside her cousin, Celia. The forest becomes a place of romantic intrigue, with the disguised Rosalind testing the affections of Orlando, the man she loves.

The 14-member cast is almost evenly divided between Amphitheater veterans and rookies. One of the returning members is Amy Barrow, who played Rosalind in the Amphitheater 18 years ago; this time, she is playing Rosalind’s mother. 

“In many ways, it feels like a reunion of sorts, while welcoming the next generation of actors of our Island,” says director Brooke Hardman, who became the artistic director of the M.V. Playhouse when the organization merged with Circuit Arts in late March. 

The production process began with an open casting call in early April, and the first rehearsals started in mid-June. Rehearsing and performing outside offers all sorts of benefits — and sometimes challenges. “Shakespeare is meant to be performed outside,” Hardman says. “It wants to be there. When his plays were being produced, there was no electricity. They were doing them out in the open air, and there’s something about being blessed to be performing in the beautiful outdoors.”

The play takes place in the Forest of Arden, which makes the venue a natural setting; the design by Mac Young adds a theatrical element. Young is also playing Jaques, the melancholy court exile who delivers the “all the world’s a stage” speech. 

“So many of us are used to spending the majority of our time indoors or staring at screens, not really connecting with nature,” says Hardman. “That’s a shame when you live in such a naturally beautiful place like the Vineyard. To be outside and working is a true pleasure.” The modern world can intrude, of course, and Hardman points out there can be air traffic at times: “But it just presents an interesting opportunity for some moments of improv. You never know what’s going to happen.”

She continues, “We’ve also taken preventive measures against ticks. We spray and mow, and we provide the actors and audience with a variety of repellents.” They have treated the costumes with permethrin, and recommend that the actors treat their rehearsal clothes with it as well: “We are trying to be very diligent and to take care of the place, not just because of the hazards, but also because it’s an incredibly beautiful spot. We feel so privileged to be out there, and responsible for the upkeep and well-being of that venue so the whole community can come in and enjoy it.”

Hardman speaks to the magic for both the audience and actors during Amphitheater performances. “Shakespeare is meant to be a dialogue with an audience. Everything was in full view, and with ‘As You Like It,’ there’s a lot of direct address to the audience. You can see them, talk to them, and sit with them. I’ve known an actor to occasionally steal a snack from a picnic that’s been laid out.” 

She continues, “An audience is what makes theater theater. We could be out there rehearsing on our own and having a grand ol’ time, but that wouldn’t be theater; that would be us playing in the woods. With an audience there, suddenly there’s somebody who has shown up who wants to listen to a story. Now we have theater. An audience is an incredibly important part of the equation that makes theater happen. And when they are lit by a beautifully setting sun over Lake Tashmoo, and a summer breeze blowing through the trees — it just doesn’t get any better than that.”

“As You Like It” runs Wednesday through Saturday at 6 pm, from July 15 to August 8. Tickets are pay-what-you-wish, with a suggested donation of $25 for adults and $15 for children.