Greg Cicchino is a graduate of Syracuse University with a B.F.A. in acting with an additional concentration in Directing. He has trained in many styles of theater, from ancient Greek through Shakespeare to the clowning styles of Jacque Lacocque. He has directed dramas and has extensive experience with musicals as well, including The Unusual Suspects, which enjoyed a successful run in the New York International Fringe Festival and is now being licensed for a South Korean production as well as optioned for a tour of Japan. His latest work is a revival of the William Shakespeare fantasy/comedy As You Like It, which opens at Queens, NY’s The Secret Theatre on August 20th.
The story revolves around Rosalind (Claire Morrison), daughter of the recently banished Duke Senior (Timothy J. Cox), and Orlando (Anthony Martinez), the man she falls in love with, who is the son of her father's deceased friend. Unbeknownst to each other, both must flee the volatile Duke Frederick (also Cox) and do so by entering the Forest of Arden. Rosalind disguises herself as a man and travels with her cousin Celia (Melisa Breiner-Sanders) and servant Touchstone (Daniel Smith) into the forest. While incognito, she befriends the lovesick Orlando in order to determine if his love is true.
The tagline for Mr. Cicchino's revival is “Magic happens in the forest.” It is hard not to be swept away with a line like that.
According to the press release, “Shakespeare's characters journey from present day fast paced city life into the Forest of Arden, an untouched place that harkens back to fantastic worlds like Sherwood Forest, or even The Garden of Eden. Melding contemporary practices with a classical approach, the actors will invite audiences to share in the adventure of this beloved comedy.”
It sounds positively magical to me.
In addition to the aforementioned actors, the production will also feature Jason Basso (Adam), Matt Cardenes (Dennis/Forrester/Jacque the Son), Griffin DuBois (Silvius), Harrison Gibbons (Corin), Michael Henrici (Oliver), Jonathan Hinman (Charles/William), Chris Kateff (Jacques), Larissa Laurel (Phebe), Amy Newhall (Audrey) and Louis Tullo (Le Beau/Amiens).
Mr. Cicchino took a few moments to answer a few questions for Blogcritics:
If you would, please give our readers a brief history of how you became involved with The Secret Theatre.
We met as many great romances begin – on Craigslist. I applied to direct a one-act for them about two years ago. They asked me back to direct another one, after which I joined the company. I have since become great friends with many members of the company. This is my second main stage with the company, my first being Antigone in March.
What drew you to directing As You Like It?
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