As You Like It (2019)

After the success of Twelfth Night (2016), Cyrano de Bergerac (2018), and Thereby Hangs a Tale (2018), A.B.L.E. was thrilled to continue their partnership with Chicago Shakespeare Theater in the spring of 2019. The ensembles –  19 young adults with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities –  took the stage for one night only on Monday May 20, 2019 with an original adaptation of Shakespeare’s wacky and whimsical comedy, As You Like It.

As You Like It is about navigating conflict, learning to forgive, and celebrating your identity – themes that are especially relevant for A.B.L.E.’s participants with disabilities. Adapted and directed by A.B.L.E. teaching artist, Emma MacLean, the script has been tailored to the individual strengths of the ensemble. The cast put their unique stamp on this “wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful” comedy, bringing The Bard’s poetry and prose to life through scenes, monologues, dances, and puppetry. 

Actors shared roles, with each playing multiple characters since “one man in his time plays many parts”. As Rosalind learns, sometimes we have to become something quite unlike ourselves, to find who we truly are.

Actors: Colleen Altman, Quincy Bane, Marissa Bloodgood, Christian Boyd,, Jack Butler, Sandia Coleman, Alena Counter Brown, Samuel Floersheimer, Peter Grzeslo, Natalia Janik, Anna Luzadder, Mila Medina, Maria Meyer, Lucas Miezal, Claire O’Leary, Sam Petri, Sam Radinsky, Hannah Vilic, Lucy Walsh

Teaching Artists: Kaylie Honkala, Emma MacLean, Sean Okerberg

Facilitators: Rosie Bross, Nate Buursma, Braden Cleary, Shannon Diegel, Mary Feigenbutz, Chelsea Hosler, Lawrence Kern, Arin Mulvaney, Jenna Rapisarda, Michael Russell, Beth Sherwood, Susan Sjodin, Dana Smith, Lindsay Stock, Peter Van Kempen, Adele Wilhelm, Katie Yohe, Polly Yukevich

Music & Narration: Peter Van Kempen

Properties:  Alison Perrone

Puppet Design: Stephanie Diaz, Julianne Eisele, Folkmanis, Cynthia Von Orthal

Lighting Design: Claire Chrzan

Graphic Design: Maddy Ward