Review: ‘As You Like It’ – Under the Stars with Brews and the Bard

If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, you won’t want to miss Band of Tough’s modern take on As You Like It, performed outdoors while the weather allows for such things at the Denver Center for Performing Arts.

Band of Toughs are known for putting their own spin on Shakespeare, and this one is really cool. They mix classic language and themes like ballads and banishments with modern phrases, references, and even songs. They’ve also done a brilliant job of adapting the story to an out door space, bringing along the audience while they perform in various parts of the DCPA courtyard and even allowing for things like passing sirens and other realities that come with doing an outdoor show.

However, there were a few hiccups with the show. Outdoor performances are tricky, and there were moments where I couldn’t hear people at all, either because they were too far away and their wireless mic went out a bit, or because of mic feedback. That was probably the biggest miss, as the actors were all very diverse, and also very skilled and funny. It was a shame to have to miss some of it due to technical difficulties. Similarly, while the roving show idea was fun, there were spots—at least for me, so probably for everyone—where there was a little less visibility.

All in all, however, this was a great way to spend an evening. The show was funny and witty, bringing just enough modern flair but not erasing the classic story or original plot. And viewers got all the enjoyment of live theatre without being cooped up inside, forced to sit still and stay quiet. I would absolutely recommend catching their performances this season.

DATES & TIMES

*For all performances doors open at 7:30 pm and show starts at 8:00 pm 

Friday October 1

Thursday October 7

Friday October 8

Saturday October 9

TICKETS: 

General Admission: $24 

Online tickets can be purchased at the Band of Toughs AXS ticketing site. Box office opens at 7:30 pm prior to each performance. 

General Information on the show can be found at bandoftoughs.org 

LOCATION*: 

Denver Performing Arts Complex Galleria 

*Meet outside the entrance to the Buell Theatre 

1350 Curtis St.

Denver, CO 80204 

*This production takes place outdoors in the weather-protected area of the Denver Performing Arts Complex Galleria. Audiences should meet at the entrance to the Buell Theatre (1350 Curtis Street) within the complex. 

Cast and creative team includes: 

Joan Bruemmer-Holden, James Brunt, Aaron Bustamante, Monica Dionysiou, Rosamond ‘Rosie’ Glasscock, Jeff Goldberg, Liz Kirchmeier, Victor Longman, Colleen Mylott, Janet Mylott, David Ortolano, Justy Robinson, David Saphier, Michael Sater, Michael Strzepek, Gin Walker, Ben Waugh 

Photo by Jeff Goldberg