When the financially stressed Baltimore Shakespeare Festival recently ceased operations, it meant the end for its summer tradition of doing Shakespeare outdoors in the meadow at Evergreen Museum and Library in north Baltimore.
Well, the tradition essentially continues, thanks to another Shakespeare-producing organization. The Frederick-based Maryland Shakespeare Festival has included Evergreen on its touring circuit this summer.
Its festive production of "As You Like It" occupies the same spot on the Evergreen lawn as the Baltimore company claimed for so many years.
Considering that this is the Shakespeare play that includes the famous "All the world's a stage" speech, it's a chance to enjoy a grassy setting backed by a minimal set evoking two proscenium arches that can be quickly transformed into tree cut-outs representing the Forest of Arden. And, of course, the soaring trees at Evergreen are a very convincing backdrop for a comedic story that moves from courtly life to adventures in the deep woods.
Although this play has a complicated plot involving exile-mandated separations, assumed identities and, ultimately, romantic resolutions for several couples, one steady presence throughout "As You Like It" is the outspoken young woman, Rosalind, who is among the most fully realized of the Bard's female characters.
Teresa Spencer is lithe and lively as Rosalind; and Rosalind's close friend, Celia, is boisterously embodied by Erin Branigan.
Among the male characters, the estranged brothers, Oliver (Cory Cunningham) and Orlando (Ian Sullivan), typify an extroverted production that freely moves across the lawn. It's a fight- and flight-filled show that makes the most of the physical consequences of a story that relies on amorous complications that threaten to never quit.
The justifiably broad playing is well-handled by the cast working under director John V. Bellomo, but the physically oriented staging occasionally rushes through poetically impressive lines that are worth savoring a bit.
Like the lightning bugs flashing all around the audience gathered on the Evergreen lawn, this production moves fast and shines brightly.
Maryland Shakespeare Festival's "As You Like It" continues July 6- 10 at Evergreen Museum and Library, at 4545 N. Charles Street in Baltimore. Gates open at 6 p.m. for picnics, pre-show entertainment starts at 7:20 p.m., and the play begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20, $15 for senior citizens and military, $10 for students. There's also a $55 family package comprising four tickets. Call 301-668-4090 or go to www.mdshakes.org/summer-tour.EvergreenMeadow.