Love is Merely a Madness (Kentucky Shakespeare Festival)
- stagedoorlouisville
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
As You Like It
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Matt Wallace
Review by Kate Barry
Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.
When life in the city becomes complicated, sometimes you have to steal away to the forest. The Forest of Arden, in fact! William Shakespeare’s As You Like It follows a daughter of a duchess and her best friend as they disguise themselves and venture into the woods with their trusting fool. While in disguise, she woos a young man right into her arms. Kentucky Shakespeare Festival opens their summer season with an Elizabethan rom-com where love is downright maddening.
The costumes expertly created by Donna Lawrence Downs are extravagant and beautiful. Bold prints and luscious fabrics embolden the Elizabethan era aesthetic. Rosalind, Orlando and the rest strut in hoop skirts and pantaloons embroidered to perfection. The signature ruff collar, popular in the day of the Bard has notable stage time as well. These decadent costumes enhance characters of high class and rank. As the action transitions to the woods, shorter pants and slimmer dresses are the fashion. Caps, skillfully folded and tucked doublets and jackets are re-imagined with gentler colors, symbolizing a serene tone in the pastures. Two fools bring contrast to city and pasture living. Jaques’ somber personality comes through his dark colors while Touchstone’s vivid yet mismatched fabrics, long hood and porcelain make up provide an image of playfulness and revelry.
Much of the story focuses on Rosalind, who is banished by a duke who didn’t care much for her mother as well. Mollie Murk shines with intellect as Rosalind. Perhaps the smartest one in the room, Murk’s Rosalind uses brains and wits to solve issues as they dress a man and win the heart of Orlando (a sweetheart of a turn by Nick Wills). With best friend Celia, played by a charismatic Sasha Cifuentes and a sharp tongue Touchstone, played by Neill Robertson, Rosalind is able to handle any complications thrown their way. Murk caps the performance with Rosalind’s epilogue, delivered with confidence and a dash of radicalism.
When matched with Nick Wills’ Orlando, Murk’s Rosalind is helpless in the ways of love. Wills and Murk share a strong chemistry as their attraction runs deep and only grows stronger. As Orlando posts his letters throughout the Forest of Arden, Wills does well to infuse his heartsick longing with humor and relatability. When matched with Oliver, a seemingly villainous turn by Crystian Wiltshire, Wills gives a performance that is sensitive and passionate. As Wills softens to the ways of love, Wiltshires follows suit with Oliver’s own romance and he experiences his own change as well.
So much happens in the woods, which is typical for a Shakespeare play. Kyle Ware’s Jaques is a philosophical grump with wisdom to share. Delivering one of Shakespeare’s most famous speeches, Ware recites the “All the world is a stage” speech with keen observation and foresight. While Rosalind and Orlando involve in hidden identities and romance, Shaquille Towns’ Silvius and Kate Drury’s Phebe are dealing with their own predicaments of the heart. Towns’ Silvius does not hold back as he frolics on stage with flowers in hand, longing for his Phebe. Drury’s Phebe, on the other hand, can barely stand the site. Towns and Drury deliver a light hearted cat and mouse chase of sorts as this shepherd pines for his icy shepherdess. Neill Robertson’s Touchstone finds love with Audrey, a playful appearance by Razaria Denae Copeland. While these two giggly lovers foolishly plan to be wed, they are interrupted nearly three times by musicians (Greg Maupin, Justin Jackson and Marquise Hillman) singing about “spring time the only pretty ring time.”
By the end of As You Like It, Rosalind finds her way back to the city. Banishment is lifted and she happily weds Orlando. Wrongs are made right and all is well.
As You Like It
Part of Kentucky Shakespeare’s Festival in Central Park
May 27-June 14, 2026
C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheatre in Old Louisville's Central Park
1340 South Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40208
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