What’s not to like?

>> A light Shakespearean treat at MainLine

FLUFFY CONFECTION: As You Like It

by AMY BARRATT

Pumpkin Theatre’s As You like It landed at the MainLine last Thursday, bringing the spring weather with it. In keeping with the season, the play is a fluffy confection, enjoyable and not at all good for you.

As Shakespeare wrote it, the play takes place in a fictional French court and, mostly, in the Forest of Arden, a world removed from the rigid constraints of court life and existing almost out of time. As discussed here last week, director Joel Fishbane’s production doesn’t impose some clever spin on the play, like setting it in the Dirty Thirties or the Antebellum South. Characters dress in some approximation of doublet and hose because the text mentions them, but there is no need to forensically recreate Shakespearean dress since the setting of the play was always an imaginary one. Pumpkin freely admits that the set and costumes were pieced together out of leftovers from other shows. In this production, that works just fine.

I’m tempted to refer to the cast as the MainLine Players, reuniting as it does several alumni from Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, along with a “mystery guest” with obvious ties to the theatre. Some actors have an easier time than others with the Shakespearean language, and I found some of the clowning over the top. But Fishbane keeps the production moving so nicely that we are just happy to be along for the ride. Patricia Summersett, intelligence flashing from her dark eyes and mischief playing at the corners of her mouth, is a delightful Rosalind.

Fishbane has done some effective cutting and pasting of the script, notably intercutting scenes that would ordinarily be performed consecutively, for a more cinematic feel. Also, in several places where, in the original, one character quotes another, Fishbane instead brings the character on to speak for himself. Nick Carpenter’s original music, sung a cappella at intervals throughout the play, contributes to the general gaiety of the thing.

Calling All Belters and Balladeers!

Musical Theatre artists don’t get a lot of breaks in Montreal, so le Spotlight should be a ray of hope for aspiring Nathan Lanes and Kristen Chenoweths. In its infancy, but planned as an annual event, the Idol-like challenge is designed “to showcase Montreal-based talent, first locally and then internationally.” The winner of the Montreal challenge will receive a trip to New York City and a chance to perform at “Broadway Idol,” part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival, in September 2007.

Preliminary auditions will be held in May; 10 finalists will be invited to perform with an orchestra before a panel of judges and a live audience on June 11. Applicants are expected to prepare a four-minute selection from the musical theatre repertoire, something that shows off not just singing ability, but acting, movement, stage presence etc. Applications, including headshot, resume and a $25 application fee, must be sent by April 30 to CETM, (514) 387–2065, Parthenais, Montreal, QC, H2K 3T1.

If you think you’ve got what it takes, shuffle off to the official Web site, www.lespotlight.ca, for complete information.

As You Like It runs Wednesdays to Sundays until May 5, 8 p.m., at MainLine Theatre (3997 St-Laurent), $15–$12 (students and seniors). Wednesdays are 2-for-1, and April 29 is Ladies’ Night, meaning girls dressed as guys get in for $10, (514) 931-5499