A Musical Adaptation of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It
Adapted by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery
Music and Lyrics by Shaina Taub
Directed by Ashley Butler & Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha
Music Direction by Brian Osborne | Choreography by Jeri Dickey
September 25-October 5, 2025
Telfair B. Peet Mainstage Theatre
SANCTUARY, LOVE, COMMUNITY
A Musical Adaptation of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It Adapted by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery Music and Lyrics by Shaina Taub
Directed by Ashley Butler & Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha Music Direction by Brian Osborne | Choreography by Jeri Dickey
Taub and Woolery’s musical adaptation of As You Like It begins with Shakespeare’s c.1599 comedy. The story is then passed through a prism of musical theatre and contemporary ideas, offering new perspectives and possibilities for this classic story of love and disguise. This inclusive adaptation departs from more traditional interpretations in several ways, including by celebrating diverse cultural roots through a wide variety of musical genres.
One of the most famous of dramatic playwrights to have explored gender roles, Shakespeare often portrayed a female character (who would have been played by a male actor due to the laws of the day) disguising herself as a male in order to move more freely and safely — and with greater agency — within a patriarchal society. Our Rosalind is such a character, though certainly not the only one who explores identity and transformation in the enchanted forest of Arden. As exiles, locals, and seekers meet up in the woods, perspectives change, alliances are made, and community is born.
As You Like It teaches us that during times of division and uncertainty, one of the best things we can do is to continue to create, build, and strengthen community. In fact, Taub and Woolery’s musical was originally developed at New York City’s Public Theater for their Public Works* program — a civic artistic program that “aims to restore and build community by connecting people through the creation of extraordinary works of art.” Arden models a community in which one finds belonging, redemption, and love. And you, our audience, are included in our beloved community.
In the spirit of shifting perspectives, we have leaned heavily into the idea of a whimsical, timeless world — something like one might find in a children’s fairytale “pop-up” book, where one thing becomes another and things shift before one’s eyes — simply, but magically. We have also explored the concept of “meta” theatre — multiple layers of performance and self-awareness — using puppetry, audience engagement, and other staging elements to further blur the lines between reality and theatricality. After all, as Jaques tells us, “all the world’s a stage, and everybody’s in the show.”
This is our first time co-directing a full production together, and it has been an absolute joy discovering each other’s creative impulses, complementing our respective working styles, and carving out a creative process for our wonderful cast. We could not have done it without our families, our exceedingly talented artistic team of colleagues, a host of incredible designers, and our entire community of AU Theatre & Dance students, staff, and faculty who labored to create this special production.
With immense gratitude . . .
I Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha & Ashley Butler, Co-Directors i
*publictheater.org/artistic-programs/public-works
Artistic Director: Tessa Carr
Co-Directors:
Ashley Butler, Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha
Music Director: Brian Osborne
Choreographer: Jeri Dickey
Dance Captain: Olivia Beland
Vocal Director and Vocal Health
Consultant: Charlotte Lee
Costume Designer: Jennifer Salter
Assistant Costume Designer: Mai Cooper
Scenic & Lighting Designer: Danielle Curtis
Sound Designer: Andrew Lynch
Puppet Designers/Builders:
Andrew Lynch, Katie Melby
Puppet Assistant: Lily Sosebee
Fight Choreographer: Andrew Schwartz
Fight Captain: Wil Eplett
Intimacy Choreographer: Ashley Butler
Scenic Studio:
Lindsey Beam, Jeb Bethel, Cahlin Cheek, Riley Dimon, Harrison Dunn, Rosemary Gross, Lily Hamilton, William Johnson, Aylsha McCall, Sam Oliver, Jason Owens, Olivia Prather, Emma Grace Ramb, Amy Roberts, Bekah Taylor, Andrew Vance, Madilynn Wall, Kylia Wheeler, Reid Williams, Cody Woodfin, Alaya Young
Costume Studio:
Patrick Barnett, Lily Boyd, Caroline Brooks, Mai Cooper, Kirsten Estes, Catherine Govignon, Mary Graham, Abigail Johnson, Abby Krehling, Em McAlexander, Anna Beth McSpadden, Kayla Newell, Kate Nymark, Sawyer Skinner, Tino Soto, Bekah Taylor
Photography, videotaping, or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
As You Like It is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals (www.concordtheatricals.com).
Director of Production: Laura Sims
Technical Director: Matt Gist
PM-Stage Operations: Brent Morrison
Costume Technology Director: Sam Heilhecker
Calling Stage Manager: Amy Roberts
Deck Stage Managers: Faith Moss, Rachel White
Props Coordinator: Isabella Doyle
Head Electricians: Will Johnson, Emma Grace Ramb
Wardrobe Supervisor: Caroline Brooks
Wardrobe Crew: Lindsey Beam, Taylor Maxwell, Marianna Richardson
Sydney Smith, Jack Steere
A1: Berkley Peacock
A2: Elijah Reitmeier
Light Board Programmer: Cody Woodfin
Light Board Operator: Fritz Michel
Fly Rail Operator: Kylia Wheeler
Deck Crew: Morgan McKenzie, Joni Olson
Auburn University Theatre & Dance gratefully acknowledges the following:
Support for our season from Dean Jason Hicks and the College of Liberal Arts
Alex Adams
Abby Bowling
Chris Carr
John Lin
Connor McNeill
Fritz Michel
Emily Olson
Elijah Reitmeier
Kali Snow-Katz
Sydney Smith
Jack Steere
Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.
The action of this play takes place now and always in a kingdom surrounded by a forest called Arden. Arden is the mythical sanctuary where we all need to travel in order to heal. Arden is here, there, and everywhere. No one is an expert in our Arden.
The show runs approximately 90 minutes without an intermission.
(In alphabetical order)
Patrick Barnett .................................................... Orlando
Olivia Beland .............................. Duke Senior, Wrestling Announcer
David Chalmers .................................. Duke Frederick, Papa Corin
Cahlin Cheek ............................ Adam, Frankie Flow, DeBoys Dancer,
William, Royal Minion, Duke Frederick Standby
Wil Eplett ....................................................... Touchstone
Kirsten Estes ........................................................ Jaques
Mary Graham.......................... Lady in Waiting, Martext, Royal Minion
Rosemary Gross. .
. Hisperia, Mama Corin, Little Jaques
Abigail Johnson ....................................................... Celia
Em McAlexander .................. Lady in Waiting, Miss Amiens, Royal Minion
Kate Nymark ................................................ Silvia, Caveman
Sam Oliver .................. Royal Minion, Puppet-deer, Andy, DeBoys Dancer
Patrick Reagan ...................... Oliver, Bronco, Duke Senior’s Attendant,
DeBoys Dancer, Puppet-deer
Sarah Schomburg ................................................. Rosalind
Sawyer Skinner .... Bronco’s Agent, Duke Senior’s Attendant, DeBoys Dancer
Alaya Young ............. Young Orlando’s Mom, Referee, Phoebe, Puppet-deer
(In alphabetical order)
McKinley Carson ................ Standby for Silvia and Phoebe, Band Support
JD DeVitt ...............................................Standby for Orlando
Kayla Newell ......................... Standby for Duke Senior, Band Support
Addie Tripp ..................................... Standby for Jaques and Celia
Ava Vasquez ........................................... Standby for Rosalind
Conducted by Brian Osborne
Patrick Barnett (Orlando) is a senior BFA music theatre major from LaGrange, GA. His AUTD credits include Pippin (Ensemble), Twelfth Night (Feste), Barbecue (James T.), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Pierre), Wellesley Girl (Scott), and Violet (Flick). Patrick would like to thank his family for their continuous prayers and support and hopes you enjoy the show!
Olivia Beland (Duke Senior, Wrestling Announcer, Dance Captain) is a senior BFA music theatre and speech, language, and hearing sciences double-major from Helena, AL. Some of her AUTD credits include Spring Awakening (Female Swing), Pippin (Ensemble / Leading Player u/s / Fastrada u/s), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Hélène), and Flying/Falling (Ensemble). She is so excited to return to the Telfair Peet mainstage and would like to thank JAB, AK, Brian, and Jeri for this wonderful opportunity!
McKinley Carson (Standby for Phoebe and Silvia, Offstage Singer, Band Support) is a junior BFA music theatre major with a minor in marketing from Spanish Fort, AL. She is very excited to work on her first production at AUTD alongside her classmates. She is very grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to see what God has in store for her next!
David Chalmers (Duke Frederick, Papa Corin) is a senior theatre minor majoring in marine biology. High school credits include Into the Woods (The Mysterious Man/Cinderella’s Father), The Little Match Girl (Various Characters), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (William Barfeé). He is thrilled not only to make his college debut, but to work with a new cast of characters (literally and figuratively) and can’t wait to see what hijinks ensue!
Cahlin Cheek (Adam, Frankie Flow, DeBoys Dancer, William, Royal Minion, Duke Frederick Standby) is a sophomore BFA music theatre and business management double major from Chelsea, AL. He is very excited to be working on his third production with AUTD. Previous credits include Violet (Leroy Evans / Waiter / Billy Dean) and Flying/Falling (Ensemble).
Mai Cooper (Assistant Costume Designer) is a sophomore theatre costume design and apparel production double major. This is her first time working on an AU production, and it has been an amazing experience. Previous high school costume design experience includes Little Shop of Horrors, Alice in Wonderland, The Importance of Being Earnest, and The Marvelous Wonderettes. Mai is so thankful to have been a part of this production and cannot wait to continue with the AU Department of Theatre and Dance!
JD DeVitt (Standby for Orlando, Offstage Singer) is a first year BFA music theatre major from Mobile, AL. He is thrilled to be embarking on this exciting journey. One of his favorite roles to date has been Hans in Frozen. He would like to sincerely thank his dad, Jimbo DeVitt, for his continued support, as well as Morgan Smith, Dr. Lee, and Alex Trosper for their encouragement and guidance. Finally, JD wants to thank JAB, AK, and the whole cast for creating such a welcoming and creative environment. War Eagle!
Isabella Doyle (Props Coordinator) is a sophomore BFA music theatre and composition technology double major from Nashville, TN. She is so thrilled to be a part of this production. This is her first show working on props, and she has had an awesome experience with the creative liberties she has been granted. Isabella is so excited to watch this show come together and wants to applaud all of the amazing people who have produced such a beautiful piece!!!
Wil Eplett (Touchstone) is a junior BFA music theatre major from Lilburn, GA. You may have seen him previously in Orlando (Archduchess/Archduke and Devising Ensemble), Ordinary Days (Warren), Dare WE Defend (Devising Ensemble), or Fractals: Infinite Movement (Dancer). He is so excited to be back on stage with his Auburn family!
Kirsten Estes (Jaques) is a senior BFA music theatre and special education double major from Birmingham, AL. AUTD credits include Violet (Ensemble / Young Vi u/s / Dance Captain), Dare WE Defend (Devising Ensemble), and Fractals: Infinite Movement (Dancer). Kirsten would like to thank the faculty, cast, and her family for all their support throughout this show. All Glory to God and War Eagle! Mary Graham (Lady in Waiting, Martext, Royal Minion) is a sophomore BFA music theatre major from Muscle Shoals, AL. She is very excited to be making her AUTD debut in As You Like It! Mary has recently been in shows in her hometown such as Matilda (Miss Honey) and Anastasia (Anya). Mary would like to thank the cast and crew for their diligence and support! She would also like to thank her family, friends, and most importantly, God.
Rosemary Gross (Hisperia, Mama Corin, Little Jaques) is a junior BFA music theatre major from Columbus, GA. She is thrilled to be making her AUTD debut and is excited to work alongside such an incredible cast and crew. Rosemary would like to give a heartfelt shoutout to her friends and family for their endless love and support.
Abigail Johnson (Celia) is a junior BFA music theatre and public relations double major from Muscle Shoals, AL. She is exceptionally grateful for the opportunity to make her AUTD debut in As You Like It and to bring this story to life alongside such a talented cast and crew. She would like to thank her friends and family for their constant support and encouragement. Isaiah 60:22
Em McAlexander (Lady in Waiting, Miss Amiens, Royal Minion) is a sophomore BA theatre major on the BFA performance track. She has been doing theatre for 7 years. Some of her favorite credits include The Tempest (Prospera) and The Addams Family (Morticia). While this is her second show at Auburn (previously serving as u/s for Archduchess/Archduke in Orlando), it’s her first time performing onstage in the principal cast. She is so excited to be a part of this performance with this amazing cast and crew!
Faith Moss (Deck Stage Manager) is a first year political science major from Auburn, AL. She is excited to be working on her first production here at AUTD and would like to thank the management team as well as the dedicated cast and crew for this opportunity. Faith would also like to thank her family and friends for all of their support during this time.
Kayla Newell (Standby for Duke Senior, Offstage Singer, Band Support) is a sophomore BFA music theatre major from Alabaster, AL. She is so excited to be working on her first show with AUTD and is so grateful for this opportunity! Kayla would like to thank her wonderful family for their unwavering support and the entire AUTD family!
Kate Nymark (Silvia) is a junior BFA music theatre major and economics double major from Maple Grove, MN. She is thrilled to be a part of this fantastic team of cast, crew, and management! Kate would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her and encouraging her to grow here at Auburn.
Sam Oliver (Andy, Royal Minion, Puppet-deer, DeBoys Dancer) is a junior BFA music theatre major. This will be their third performance at AUTD. Previous credits include the devising ensembles for both Orlando and Dare WE Defend. Sam is unbelievably excited to make their mainstage debut as Andy.
Patrick Reagan (Oliver, Bronco, Duke Senior’s Attendant, DeBoys Dancer, Puppet-deer) is senior exercise science major from Huntsville, AL. Patrick has enjoyed performing with AUTD over the last two years, including in Ordinary Days (Jason) and as a band member for Violet; Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812; and Monstersongs. He would like to thank his family and friends for being an incredible, loving support system.
Amy Roberts (Calling Stage Manager) is a senior BFA theatre management major from Scottsboro, AL. This is her third show with AUTD, and she also has credits at Northeast Alabama Community College. Some favorites include Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief (Stage Manager/ Assistant Director), She Kills Monsters (Stage Manager), Orlando (Calling Stage Manager). She is so excited for the opportunity to be a part of this show, and she wants to thank her friends and family for their support.
Sarah Schomburg (Rosalind) is a junior BFA music theatre major from Huntsville, AL. Previous AUTD credits include Violet (Featured Ensemble / Violet u/s) and as co-director/performer in HMP’s HairCuts and Sondheim Tonight. She also works as a teaching artist at Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre Academy and teaches dance at Taylor’s Dance Company in Opelika. Sarah is overjoyed and immensely grateful for the opportunity to work on this show with such an exceptionally talented cast and visionary direction!
Sawyer Skinner (Bronco’s Agent, Duke Senior’s Attendant, DeBoys Dancer) is a sophomore BFA musical theatre major from Hobe Sound, FL. She is very excited to be working on her second production at AUTD and would like to thank the dedicated cast, crew, and management for the opportunity and experience, as well as her ever supportive family, and gives all glory to God. War Eagle!
Addie Tripp (Standby for Jaques and Celia, Offstage Singer) is a sophomore BFA music theatre and apparel design double major from Fairhope, AL. She is very excited for her first production with AUTD and would like to thank her mentors, cast, and directors for this opportunity. Addie is also thankful for her loving family, friends, and everything that the Lord has provided for her.
Ava Vazquez (Standby for Rosalind, Offstage Singer) is a sophomore BFA music theatre major from Madison, NJ. Previous credits include Mamma Mia (Sophie Sheridan) and Les Misérables (Eponine). Ava is beyond excited to be a part of her first AUTD production! She thanks the cast, crew, and production team for putting together this amazing show, and her professors for their guidance. Finally, she would like to give a huge thank you to her parents, who have always supported her endeavors wholeheartedly.
Alaya Young (Phoebe, Young Orlando’s Mom, Referee, Puppet-deer) is a sophomore BFA music theatre major from Columbus, GA. Previous AUTD credits include Violet (Virgil / Lula u/s). Other notable credits include Shrek (Gingy / Sugar Plum Fairy), Legally Blonde (Elle Woods), Memphis (Wailin’ Joe / Ensemble), and She Kills Monsters (Co-Director) at RMSOTA, where she served as president of Troupe 8787 of the International Thespian Society. She thanks her family and friends for their unwavering support. Enjoy the show. Rachel White (Deck Stage Manager) is a first year aerospace engineering major from Birmingham, AL. She is very excited to be working on her very first production here at AUTD and would love to thank her friends and family for their support during this time.
u/s = understudy
Katie Melby (Puppet Designer/Builder) is a theatre and puppetry artist originally from South Dakota. She is co-artistic director of 3 Sticks, a physical theatre company dedicated to making new work, that she co-founded after graduating from the Lecoq-based London International School of Performing Arts in 2005. Their work has been presented across the US, Canada, and Japan as well as Ars Nova, Dixon Place, Columbia Stages, and Governors Island Art Fair in NYC. Puppetry credits include Basil Twist’s Rite of Spring (Lincoln Center), Mabou Mines’ La Davina Caricatura (La Mama), The Cat Who Went to Heaven (Brooklyn Academy of Music), l’Arbre Enchanté (Fire Island Opera Festival), Firebird (Chilean Tour), and The Cat in the Hat (Center for Puppetry Arts). She is a co-founder of the Brooklyn arts space Cloud City, and holds a BFA from The New School. Melby is also an ASMR content creator on TikTok and YouTube.
Join us after the Thursday, October 2nd performance for a talkback session with the actors and members of the creative team.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for interviews, takeovers, and other features about the show!
Learn more about the play! Check out an in-depth article about the musical adaptation first produced by Public Works at The Public Theatre in NYC, and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s resources on Shakespeare's original play.
aub.ie/AYLIPublicWorks
aub.ie/AYLIRoyalShakespeare
Across 5 major degree tracks and 3 different minors, our students engage daily in the rigorous hands-on work of the theatre. They construct sets, call shows, sew costumes, create designs, analyze texts, choreograph dances, devise new works, build props, focus lights, block scenes, conduct research, score scripts, and everything in between.
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Department Chair: Tessa Carr
Coordinator, Student and Patron Services: Becky Henderson
Office Administrator: Vickie Murtadha
Marketing Coordinator: Magalí Zaslabsky
Graphic Designer: Ashley Butler
Event Staff: Rosemary Gross, Presley McQuiddy-Gasparlin, Kate Nymark, Sarah Schomburg, Bekah Taylor, Reid Williams, Alaya Young
Costume Studio Assistants: Jeb Bethel, Abby Bowling, Caroline Brooks, Catherine Govignon
Costume Stock Assistants: Linne Johnston, Berkley Peacock
Props Assistant: Isabella Doyle
Production Assistant: Lily Sosebee
Marketing/Recruitment Assistants: Olivia Beland, Kayla Newell, Kara Anne Smith
Outreach Special Projects Staff: Wil Eplett, Sawyer Skinner
Scenic Studio Assistants: Lindsey Beam, Will Johnson, Jason Owens, Olivia Prather, Ash Vickery
Sound & Lighting Assistants: Will Johnson, Lily Hamilton
Wig Assistant: Amy Roberts
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