A wiser man than I once said that Shakespeare is always about sex. Especially when it’s a play with multiple pairs of would-be lovers chasing each other through the forest in the springtime. Now I don’t happen to think that detracts from the artistry or power of the play at all because it is absolutely universal and unparalleled when it comes to creating comedic situations of life-threatening urgency. Another great thing that Bill said as we were finishing rehearsals was that he wanted people to fall in love when they come to the show. He wanted them to get swept up in the spring fever of life and love and joy and to feel that vitality and wonder too. Talk about the kind of mission statement that will put a big-old smile on your face. I feel like we all have been falling in love out there so far, audiences and performers alike. It’s like we all are taking a chance and letting our guards down for a while, risking ridicule and embarrassment, to revel in the spring air of Arden. I feel like I’m living a Walt Whitman poem when I’m out there; Corin sings the body electric. Boy howdy!

During table-work Bill said he doesn’t believe Shakespeare ever got sarcastic. He had a firm grasp of irony and the put-down to say the least, but there’s a level of honesty and openness to Shakespeare’s characters that is intimidating but invigorating. They aren’t holding back. They are all in. And that means that’s what we all have to do, go all in. When we’re in that space there’s no room for half-hearted. We have a chance to soar and rage and seek, why would we settle for less? I sincerely hope everyone who comes to see this show puts all their chips in the pot and lets the action ride.