Shore Shakespeare Company is proud to announce its spring 2018 tour production of “As You Like It” by William Shakespeare. The production features original music and lyrics by local artist Gregory Minahan, and is directed by Christian Rogers, assisted by Lindsey Hammer.

Performances will be held outside during the month of June at four venues around the Upper Shore. The production premiers with three special performances at Adkins Arboretum on June 1, 2, and 3. Tickets for these performances are $15, and may be purchased from the Arboretum at www.adkinsarboretum.com. The free tour commences at Long Wharf Park in Cambridge for two performances on June 8 and 9, and three at the Oxford Community Center in Oxford on June 15, 16, and 17. The tour concludes with two performances at Wilmer Park in Chestertown on June 22 and 24. Complete information and show times are available at www.shoreshakespeare.com or by calling 410-690-3165. All performances are free and open to the public.

This sparkling comedy presents Shakespeare’s send-up of the pastoral genre and an exploration of love in all its passion, illogic, and messiness. The production features the talents of Christine Kinlock as Rosalind and Zack Schlag as Orlando, along with Madeline Webb, Troy Strootman, Will Robinson, Brian McGunigle, and Howard Mesick. Filling out the cast are John Feldman, Heather Robuck, Henry Hills, Nita Wieczoreck, Jane and John Terebey, Josh Hansen, Samantha Davis, and Phoebe Kelly. Costumes are by Barbi Bedell, and stage management by Avra Sullivan.

The rightful Duke has been usurped by his evil brother, and has retreated with his followers to the Forest of Arden. His daughter Rosalind has remained behind, companion to her cousin Celia, the new Duke’s daughter. There is trouble, too, between Orlando and his brother Oliver, sons of the late Sir Roland, a faithful retainer to the old Duke. Oliver conspires to have Orlando meet with an unfortunate accident.

Rosalind falls in love with Orlando and is banished from court by the new Duke. Celia, his daughter, aghast at the injustice, vows to accompany Rosalind into exile. They will go to Arden in search of Rosalind’s father in the Forest of Arden.

Meanwhile, Orlando returns home and learns that his brother is planning on killing him and making it look like an accident. He and his faithful retainer, old Adam, flee, to Arden.

And that’s just the first Act!

To protect themselves in the Forest, Rosalind and Celia disguise themselves as Ganymede, a man, and Aliena, his sister. Rosalind, free for the moment from the role imposed upon women, dazzles the locals as a man. Relishing her new persona, she encounters Orlando and, maintaining her disguise, educates him in the ways of true love. All comes right in the end, of course.

Join Shore Shakespeare for this delightful comedy. Full of unforgettable characters, sparkling wit, slapstick humor, and eclectic song and dance, “As You Like It” has it all. Make plans now to gather with friends and family, bring a picnic and enjoy one of Shakespeare’s most enduring romantic comedies.