Photo Flash: First Look at Seattle Shakespeare Company's AS YOU LIKE IT, Now thru 6/24

Seattle Shakespeare Company's Artistic Director George Mount stages his first mainstage production–As You Like It–since being appointed to lead the organization last December. Shakespeare's romantic comedy of wandering and wooing in the woods features 15 actors with original music by Sarah McGuinn, playing now through June 24. Check out photos from the production below!

Tickets to As You Like It are available now through the Seattle Shakespeare Company Box Office at 206-733-8222 as well as online at www.seattleshakespeare.org.

"I got really interested in how this play pits nature, and the course of natural processes, against a world that is sort of stuck in a past and out of time," said Mount. "Also inherent in this play is the seeking of balance as well as a chance to start anew and more in alignment with the natural rhythms of the world. And it's just such a juicy romance that I thought it was perfect for the spring when our local world is in full bloom."

After Rosalind is banished from the court, she takes her cousin Celia and the fool Touchstone in to the Forest of Arden where the trio happen upon a merry band of outlaws–including Orlando, the man Rosalind loves. Dressed as a boy, Rosalind teaches Orland how to woo while also beguiling the young man. And it turns out love is catching as nearly everyone finds romance (both heartfelt and comical) tucked among the trees.

Out of the 15 actors in the cast, 13 have performed with company at one time or another during Seattle Shakespeare Company's history. For Hana Lass who plays Rosalind, As You Like It marks seventh production with the company. This is the third production for Nathan Smith who plays Orlando. Also featured in the cast are Keith Dahlgren (Duke Senior), Ray Gonzalez (Duke Frederick), Darragh Kennan (Touchstone), Rebecca Olson (Celia), and David Pichette (Jaques).

Seattle Shakespeare Company presents As You Like It, May 30-June 24, 2012 (Previews May 30 & 31; Opening Night Friday, June 1). Performance times: Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 PM with selected Saturdays at 2PM and selected Sundays at 2PM and 7:30PM.

Photo credit: John Ulman