YOH THEATRE PRESENTS AS YOU LIKE IT Windsor Central Community Engagement Committee PRESS RELEASE March 6th, 2020

"All the World's a Stage...," sung by Haley Symonds, opens the musical As You Like It at Woodstock Union High and Middle School next weekend (March 13, 14, 15). Adapted by Shaina Taub (raised in Vermont!), and Laurie Woolery, this ambitious work of participatory theater features students of all ages from our newly unified Windsor Central District working in many roles: acting, singing, dancing, set design and building, performing with the band, creating props, costumes, working sound and lighting.

"As You Like It is an immersive tale of faithful friends, feuding families, and lovers in disguise.

Forced from their homes, Orlando, Duke Senior, his daughter Rosalind, and niece Celia escape to the Forest of Arden, a fantastical place of transformation, where all are welcomed and embraced. Banished into the forest, they find community and acceptance under the stars." (description by Public Works) Yoh Theatre's production of As You Like It is led by eight Yoh Masters. Seniors Haley Symonds (Jaques) and Eve Cole (Duke Senior) lead the way on stage with their powerful voices and stage presence and off-stage, leading warm-ups and holding others to high standards. Madison Niez is the stage manager, taking blocking notes, coaching actors, prompting lines, offering support and advice. Ella Ballou (Touchstone) provides lightness and fun, with her movements and expansive, soul-filling voice. Adding to the humor is Giana Fiorino (Sylvia), with her depth of character as Sylvia pines after Phoebe. Allison Bradley shows off diverse talents as she dances, wrestles, sings and manipulates puppets. Etta Warren's beautiful voice adds to the chorus with talented harmony singing. Megan LaCroix becomes Oliver, the disgruntled older brother of Orlando. Her ability to ground her character with stance and voice leads to a needed contrast with others' lightness and fickle nature.

Talent at WUHSMS is not only found in the students, but also in the older generation. Six adults in our community will make a special appearance as boy band dancers in "Will U Be My Bride." Come and see!

The show is family-friendly, great for all ages, and runs in one act, approximately 90-100 minutes long. Tickets are available Friday, March 13 at 7pm, Saturday, March 14 at 7pm, and Sunday, March 15 at 3pm. Buy tickets on-line at showtix4u.com. We hope to see you there!