November 15 – December 11, 2022 Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre
By William Shakespeare Co-Directed by Christopher Ashley and Will Davis
Produced in association with Diversionary Theatre
The original rom com, wild with love and high on joy
In Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, Rosalind and Orlando meet by chance in court and have an immediate connection. When they are both banished, fate brings them together again in the Forest of Arden. Far from the restrictions of court life, we find ourselves in a vibrant new world, where identities can be fully explored and romance can blossom in multiple forms.
Brought to vibrant life by a cast of trans, non-binary and Queer performers, Christopher Ashley and Will Davis’s re-imagined As You Like It is a celebration of the limitless possibilities of love and humanity.
This bold and beautiful production inhabits a wonderful, ‘gender-ful’ world – a sensuous place that embraces the full spectrum of gender possibilities. Evoking the heady experience of falling in love, and underscored by heart-thumping live music, there are no boundaries in As You Like It, just endless complexities, infinite love and the joyful expression of true selves. Love is in the air! Descripción en Español
» Click here to read the plot synopsis and a ‘who’s who’ character list.
» Click here to read the program online
San Diego Union-Tribune Review: In a world of gender rigidity, La Jolla Playhouse builds an oasis in love-affirming ‘As You Like It’
View PDF | Read Online
Production Sponsors
Denise & Lon Bevers
Sheri L. Jamieson
Karen & Jeff Silberman
Community Partners
A podcast of original radio plays, conversations with artists and more.
Listen to our latest episode, “What is the moon like when you’re in love?,” a pre-recorded conversation featuring As You Like It creative team, Mel Ng (Costume Designer), Cha See (Lighting Designer) and ien DeNio (Sound Designer).
“Oh, What a Gender-ful World ft. Christopher Ashley, Will Davis, Regina Victor and Matt Morrow,” is a pre-recorded conversation about As You Like It and creating Queer theatre now, hosted by Diversionary Theatre. Includes a little strong language.
Get in the mood with this Spotify playlist curated by cast and creatives. Some songs contain strong language.
ACCESS Performance (Audio Description): Saturday, December 3 at 2:00 pm
ACCESS performances offer American Sign Language interpretation for patrons who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing and Audio Description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. Inquire with Patron Services for available ACCESS subscription series (858) 550-1010.
Effective Monday October 17 2022, La Jolla Playhouse will no longer require patrons to wear masks indoors while attending shows or events at our theatres. However, we still recommend indoor masking while at La Jolla Playhouse. You should feel comfortable wearing a mask if you choose. For up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 safety procedures, please visit our Covid Safety Page.
Complete ticket flexibility! Purchase tickets today and if for any reason you cannot attend on your performance date, call Patron Services to discuss options such as exchange, refunds, gift certificates.
La Jolla Playhouse’s on-site restaurant, James’ Place, is open for dinner service at 5:00pm nightly (Tuesday – Sunday). James’ Place offers full bar service and a selection of specialty Asian fusion, steak & coastal cuisine items, per the menu below. Reservations can be made by phone as well as OpenTable. Indoor and outdoor seating options are available. Please note, James’ Place is not open prior to matinee performances.
Concessions opens 90 minutes before showtime at the bar of James’ Place. Come early to relax outside and enjoy a selection of beer, wine, cocktails, sodas and individually wrapped snacks. All food and drinks must be consumed before entering the theatre.
Content Advisory: This production contains theatrical haze and some flashing lights. We understand sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any questions about content or stage effects, please get in touch with our Patron Services team at [email protected] or 858.550.1010 and we’ll be happy to give you more info.
Photo credit: Esco Jouléy and Peter Smith; photo by Rich Soublet II.
Cast & Creators
- Creators
- Cast
- Design
Christopher Ashley
Co-Director
has served as La Jolla Playhouse’s Artistic Director since 2007, where he directed the world premieres of COME FROM AWAY, DIANA: THE MUSICAL, MEMPHIS, ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE, THE SQUIRRELS, A DRAM OF DRUMMHICIT, RESTORATION AND CHASING THE SONG, as well as HIS GIRL FRIDAY, GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, FREAKY FRIDAY and XANADU. He also spearheaded the Without Walls (WOW) program, the DNA New Work Series and the Resident Theatre program. He recently directed COME FROM AWAY for AppleTV+ and DIANA: THE MUSICAL for Netflix. Broadway credits include COME FROM AWAY (Tony Award), DIANA: THE MUSICAL, ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE, MEMPHIS (Tony nom), XANADU, LEAP OF FAITH (Drama Desk nom), ALL SHOOK UP and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Tony, Drama Desk noms). He also helmed productions of COME FROM AWAY in London (Olivier nom), Toronto, Australia and on national tour.
Christopher Ashley Co-Director
Will Davis
Co-Director
is a transgender director and choreographer focused on physically adventurous work for the stage. Off-Broadway credits include: ROAD SHOW (Encores! Off-Center); INDIA PALE ALE (MTC); BOBBIE CLEARLY (Roundabout Underground); CHARM (MCC); MEN ON BOATS (Clubbed Thumb and Playwrights Horizons; Lortel nom); and DUAT (Soho Rep). Regional: SPAMTOWN, USA (Children’s Theater Company); EVERYBODY (Shakespeare Theatre Company); A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2 (Long Wharf Theatre); COLOSSAL (Olney Theatre Center, Mixed Blood Theater; Helen Hayes Award for best direction); EVITA (Olney Theatre Center; Helen Hayes nom); and multiple productions for ATC in Chicago, where Davis also served as Artistic Director. An alum of the Soho Rep Writer/Director Lab, NYTW 2050 Directing Fellowship, Brooklyn Art Exchange’s Artist in Residence program, and is currently a Princeton Arts Fellow.
Will Davis Co-Director
- T. Carlis RobertsMusic Director/Arranger
- Emmie FinckelScenic Design
- Mel NgCostume Design
- Cha SeeLighting Design
- ien DeNioSound Design
- Alberto AlvaradoWig and Makeup Design
- Chelsea PaceIntimacy Staging and Fight Choreography
- Regina VictorDramaturg
- Caparelliotis CastingCasting
- Jacole KitchenCasting
- Ursula MeyerVoice and Text Coach
- Charles MeansStage Manager
- Matthew BantockAssistant Stage Manager
- Becca DuhaimeProduction Manager
- Ryan MeisheidGeneral Manager
- Eric Keen-LouieExecutive Producer
Gallery
Venue Info
Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre
The Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre is a black box flexible theatre seating up to 450 patrons, and the centerpiece of the 6,500-square-foot Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center.
