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Writers Theatre
As You Like It Reviews
Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...The source playwright, and thus the source material, maintains a certain ambivalence about love and relationships that is part of its allure. Add in too much earnest, can’t-we-all-just-get-along commentary, thus replacing the notes of cynicism from the likes of Jaques, and you get, as Sondheim liked to say, a hat upon a hat. It’s understandable. It was 2022. Just getting a show up was a miracle."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...The Writers Theatre’s production of a charming folk-pop musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s "As You Like It" serves up a comforting dose of communal warmth against the emotional coldness of the current world."
Daily Herald - Recommended
"...Adapted by composer/lyricist Shaina Taub and writer Laurie Woolery, this merry tuner about love (in its various incarnations) and authenticity (living one’s truth) doesn’t necessarily quote all of Shakespeare’s dialogue in its entirety. Taub and Woolery shave lines here and there, but retain enough of the text to make folks feel good about themselves."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Writers Theatre's production of the musical adaptation of Shakespeare's play by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery, directed by Braden Abraham, with music direction by Michael Mahler and choreography by Erin Kilmurray, is crackling, sharp, and radiant."
Talkin Broadway - Highly Recommended
"...Writers Theatre is presenting the Midwest Premiere of Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery's musical adaptation of As You Like It. The production, directed by Braden Abraham, with music direction by Michael Mahler and choreography by Erin Kilmurray, is fun, funny, and performed with a great deal of both talent and joy."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...Writers Theatre in Glencoe, a charming North Shore Chicago suburb, has developed a reputation for impeccably produced theater of extremely high quality. Their newest production, a Midwest premiere of the musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It by Laurie Woolery and Tony-winner Shaina Taub (for Suffs), continues that tradition."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...I absolutely LOVE this musical. It creates a big community where all are eventually included and contains a dynamic message of hope. There are the mistaken identities and gender fluidity that is common in Shakespeare plots, but there is also a golden aspect of this musical that transcends the Tragedy/Comedy binary. And it does ALL of this in 90 minutes."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...The play also has one of my favorite actors, Janet Ulrich Brooks, who plays Agent, Mama Corin, and Martext. I could never see her enough. Be sure to catch the captivating vocals of Grace Steckler, who portrays Silvia, the love-struck spurned by Phoebe, played by Dakota Hughes. Steckler's performance marks her debut at Writers, and I am genuinely excited to see how she shares her vocals and talents in future productions at other Chicagoland theaters. The chemistry on stage was outstanding from all of the cast members."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...First of all, I know that many of you are NOT lovers of the works of William Shakespeare. The language is only part of it, but as a lover of theater and in particular the works of the “Bard”, I am happy that the theater world has found a way to make Shakespeare more “audience-friendly” by adding music to the story and updating much of the language and characters. A few years back, they added music of “The Beatles” and now they have found a way to mix music from the creators of “Suffs” ( Shaina Taub- music & lyrics) adapted by Taub and Laurie Woolery, and put on the stage at Writer’s Theatre by Braden Abraham. I must tell you,this is not your old “As You Like It”, and will bring those who shy away from his works, to them. This is magical theater!"
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...As someone who's been meaning to visit Writers Theatre but was struggling to get out of the city and up to Glencoe, I can say that my trip was more than worth it. I was treated to the musical adaptation of As You Like It, directed by Braden Abraham, the theater's artistic director, with music direction by Michael Mahler, and choreography by Erin Kilmurray."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...The songs (performed by the cast along with a lively onstage band) are excellent, as are the singing voices of the cast members, and they add emotional depth even to some of the more ridiculous moments. This is an absolutely stellar addition to the pantheon of musical Shakespeare adaptations."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...There is, up in Glencoe, a unique and striking musical adaptation of William Shakespeare's comedy masterpiece “As You Like It” playing at Writers Theatre through December 14. It's directed by Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham in bold, wonderfully outlandish strokes that enhance this story of lost souls who all find each other in the Forest of Arden. There is a magic in Arden. Everyone experiences a kind of ethereal conversion in attitude and outlook. Arden thus symbolizes more—a place of refuge and spiritual comfort, a haven of freedom."
NewCity Chicago - Recommended
"...Nevertheless, this is an entertaining, big-hearted show, full of talent, with a lovely, fantastical set (Sara Ryung Clement and Jacelyn Stewart) featuring chandeliers hanging in the autumn-colored Arden trees. Under the direction of Braden Abraham, the show feels like the cast is having a party, and the audience is invited. Though at times confusing, this stripped-down "As You Like It" stresses the love and forgiveness at the heart of the story."