‘As You Like It’ Debuts in an Outdoor Setting

When Shakespeare’s comedy “Twelfth Night” was performed outdoors last summer at the South Coast Botanic Garden, it was an experiment.

“We hoped for at least a small audience, and were overwhelmed when we had 1,600 people come to three performances,” said Mimi Wilson, co-producing director of the New Place Theatre Co., which staged the play.

“The response was tremendous,” commented Norma Cantafio, executive director of the garden foundation, which cooperated in the venture. “The community . . . loved it.”

Both Wilson and Cantafio say they hope that “Shakespeare on the Meadow” is on its way to becoming a regular Palos Verdes Peninsula family attraction with this week’s presentation of “As You Like It,” a comedy of romantic intrigue and mistaken identity set in the imaginary Forest of Arden. The five-evening run begins Wednesday on the garden’s Upper Meadow.

Calling the play “vibrant to the ear and the eye,” director Tom Ashworth said his concept emphasizes action--”We keep the movement almost constant because it needs a scope and sweep”--and takes full advantage of the lawn playing space, which is much larger than that of many theaters.

“There’ll be occasions when the actors go into the audience and talk to people,” he said. “We’re doing it lightly.”

Wilson said New Place, the resident professional company at the Norris Theatre in Rolling Hills Estates, will take the show and its elaborate set to a park in Las Vegas later in the summer.

“The set resembles Shakespeare’s Old Globe Theater, with two towers on each side,” she said. “There are bright-colored costumes, which lend themselves to an outdoor production. A fine sound system allows everyone to hear everything.”

The only rub in filling the meadow is the garden’s parking lot, which limits attendance to those who arrive in the first 600 cars.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the play starts at 8:30, leaving time for picnicking. The garden is at 26300 S. Crenshaw Blvd., just south of Pacific Coast Highway. People may bring blankets or lawn chairs and warm clothing is advised.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, students and military personnel, and $5 for children 10 and under. They may be purchased in advance at the garden and the Norris, at Crossfield Drive and Indian Peak Road, and at the door.