Steven Culp in "As You Like It"

Book: Excerpt from "The American Repertory Theatre Reference Book" by Marilyn Plotkins, page 22

Critical Response: Belgrader’s staging of As You Like It enraged critics wary of the A.R.T.‘s mission to provide modernist treatments of the classics by experimental theatre artists. They complained that the director tried too hard to win laughs at the expense of lyricism, characterization, and poetry. They were puzzled by the courtiers in grass skirts and offended by Hymen’s appearance in a costume with four breasts, a beard, and an array of phalluses dangling from her headgear. Still, an equal number appreciated the inventive design and staging and the company’s expert handling of the physical comedy. Kevin Kelly (1980c) thought that the “non-verbal commentary” of the tree-women, lusting after Orlando and nodding off to sleep at Celia’s recitation of his poetry, was hilarious. Cherry Jones received accolades for the vigor and naturalness of her performance as Rosalind. The critics also appreciated Karen MacDonald, Gerry Bamman, and Jeremy Geidt, who as Duke Senior substituted w’s for r’s in the manner of Elmer Fudd.