Cast announced for Public Works' As You Like It

The off-Broadway non-profit Public Theater has announced casting for the first production of the 2017-2108 season - the free Public Works musical adaptation of Shakespeare's As You Like It. Adapted by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery, the production is directed by Woolery, featuring music and lyrics by Taub and will run for five nights only, from September 1 to 5, 2017, at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

Alongside over 200 actors and community members, the principal cast includes Ato Blankson-Wood (Orlando), Darius de Haas (Duke Senior), Rebecca Naomi Jones (Rosalind), Joel Perez (Touchstone), and Shaina Taub (Jaques).

The production will also feature cameo appearances by Bronx Wrestling Federation, Freedom Dabka Group, Harambee Dance Company, and The Sing Harlem Choir.

Synopsis: "This musical adpatation of Shakespeare's classic is an immersive dream-like tale of faithful friends, feuding families and lovers in disguise. Forced from their homes, Orlando, Duke Senior, his daughter Rosalind and niece Celia, escape to the Forest of Arden, a fantastical place of transformation, where all are welcomed and embraced. Lost amidst the trees, the refugees find community and acceptance under the stars. Fall under love's spell in this magical story of chance encounters and self-discovery."

The creative team behind As You Like It features choreography by Sonya Tayeh, music direction by Andrea Grody, scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Andrea Hood, lighting design by David Weiner, and sound design by Jessica Paz.