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Arts & Entertainment

'As You Like It' Performance Coming to Rye Brook

Director Tal Aviezer works with talented cast to bring a contemporary feel of Shakespeare to communities in lower Westchester.

Shakespeare in the Park will make an appearance in Rye Brook this weekend with a performance of "As You Like It."

The actors with this year’s production exhibit poise and passion. Cecilia, played by Maureen Fleming, enables the audience to really feel what she is trying to convey through her actions and facial expressions.

This is one of many productions that is performed with the Port Chester Council for the Arts through the Shakespeare in the Park program.

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According to Rye Brook Village Administrator Chris Bradbury, Rye Brook’s Quality Task Force wanted to host a Shakespeare in the Park event.

The production of “As You Like It” will be performed in Rye Brook, Rye City, Armonk and Port Chester. The budget for this production was acquired through various means; Port Chester Village, donations from audience members, refreshment sales and 50/50 raffle tickets.

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Director, Tal Aviezer has directed Shakespeare with this group for four seasons. He said is always amazed at the range of actors that participate. 

“I never fail to be impressed with the cross-generational appeal these plays hold for both actors and audiences Lawnchair theater has never had any difficulty attracting a broad age range,” Aviezer said.

Aviezer has been acting and directing professionally for approximately 11 years; directing an estimated 17 Shakespeare plays.  He said he developed a love for theater in college.

As part of his education, he studied with the World Shakespeare Company in Stratford-Upon-Avon in England.

He adopted a contemporary feel to Shakespeare when directing the Shakespeare in the Park group. The actors convey a modern appearance through music and costumes.

In addition to Aviezer’s acting experience, the play’s producer, Peter Green, started doing community theater in the mid-late 90’s. 

Six years ago, Mr. Green was promoting 20th century theater in afterschool programming.  Peter started with "A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream," produced by Lawnchair Theater founded by he and his wife Carin. 

After directing the first release of “As You Like it,” Peter assumed the role of co-producer; sharing that position with his wife. This summer, he has been cast as Jacques.

The cast that is bringing “As You Like It” to life showcases immense talent as well as a wide variety of geographical locations.

From White Plains to Rockland County; actors like Larry Reina (Oliver) and fresh faces like Rosither “Rosie” Saez are featured. 

Lisa Spielman from New City plays Amiens, one of the ladies who is exiled with the duke. Before marrying and starting a family, Lisa acted often; she is now reacquainting herself with her love for musical theater. 

Craig Campanero from Dobbs Ferry, plays the shepherd, Corin. Dappling in Improv, the ex-mortgage broker is glad to try his hand at something new.

Rehearsals take place 8-10 hours a week at The Girl Scout House in Lyons’ Park which has been donated to accommodate the moderately sized cast.

Shakespeare in the Park presents “As You Like It” on August 6th in Pine Ridge Park in Rye Brook at 5:30 p.m. 

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