My first impression of The Classical Studio’s production of “As You Like It” was that it was a quirky improv fest. It was hard to take anything seriously when the play opened with an actor on all fours, two feet away from me and chewing on the program. But it only took a couple minutes for my confusion to melt.

William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” is a playful comedy that follows a group of exiled nobles who escape into the Forest of Arden, where they learn about their abilities to love and be loved. In the hands of The Classical Studio — one of Tisch Drama’s advanced training studios — the play embraces a feral version of storytelling under the direction of Tisch professor Daniel Spector and his teaching apprentice Laura Zee. Each actor is cast in two roles that they swap between for every performance, making each viewing different from the last. 

The play opens with a heated clash between Oliver (Siddy Lion) and his younger brother Orlando (Aidan Villarreal), involving choking and sharp insults being hurled at one another. Orlando storms off and soon encounters the intelligent and witty Rosalind (Chloe Drohan), and the two immediately find chemistry before he’s thrown into a wrestling match against the duke’s champion, Charles (Sophia Dondisch).

The explosive moment is a standout for the production — even the two layers of mats don’t feel like enough protection when you see the force with which the actors launch into flips, slams and full-bodied stunts. They truly appeared to be having the time of their lives, making the scene as fun as it was impressive. I was laughing the entire time, caught between shock and pure delight at its over-the-top nature.

The chaos of these scenes are only amplified by the visual feast of the production’s costumes. The wardrobe, designed by Tisch senior Madison Barnett, consists of rich autumn hues — burnt orange, deep reds and warm browns — that feel both cohesive and effortlessly chic. Every look was polished and modern without losing its theatricality. At some points, I found myself fixated on how nice everyone’s shoes were and had to remind myself to stop staring at their feet. 

Despite the intricacies of Shakespearean English, the actors utilize gripping body language and facial expressions to convey emotional shifts and comedic beats. The play’s recurring theme of unrequited love is conveyed through many scenes of messy hissing and loud declarations that are deeply funny. The shepherd Silvius (Jackson Parker) is hopelessly devoted to shepherdess Phoebe (Revati Iyengar), who wants absolutely nothing to do with him. She instead falls hard for Rosalind, who is banished by the duke — alongside her cousin Celia (Sofia Goorno) — and must escape into the Forest of Arden, where she dons the disguise of a man to ensure their safety. The actors lean into the moment’s shock value, heightening every yearning glance and painful rejection until it borders on parody. 

Quieter scenes in the woods are elevated by the set design: The forest is brought to life through lush green tones, a moss-covered piano tucked into the scenery and warm amber lighting that casts a magical glow over the stage. The production makes full use of every corner of the small space, creating an intimate environment that feels larger than it actually is.

The energy culminates in an act of pure, unfiltered happiness. Out of nowhere, Hymen (Bryn Frazee), the god of marriage, shows up in a stunning white dress with a magnificently long train. Identities are revealed, misunderstandings are resolved and in true Shakespearean fashion, everyone ends up paired off. The entire cast erupts into dancing as the actors spin and laugh, an infectious finale that leaves audiences grinning. 

For a production I initially wrote off as bizarre, “As You Like It” ended up being extremely joyful. It’s weird, confident and full of heart. Somewhere between the wrestling match ensuing and the god of marriage showing up, you learn to stop asking questions and just have fun. 

“As You Like It” is running at the Paulson Center until May 6. Free tickets are available online.

Contact Rhea Kohli at [email protected].