Like You Like It - Studio Cast Recording

The plays of Shakespeare have been adapted, brought to every time period, and turned all which way of upside down over the centuries, to bring the Bard's clever writing to audiences (and affordably - without royalties!). Now composer Daniel Acquisto and his frequent collaborator, lyricist Sammy Buck, have taken "As You Like It," and brought it to a shopping mall in the 1980s, creating the totally awesome "Like You Like It." Broadway Records now makes the studio cast "RADcording" available for a throwback hour of enjoyment.

The talents and experience of the cast brought together for this recording give the music a "totally max" show of fun. Alison Luff ("Les Miserables," "Wicked" National Tour) is Rosalind, the goody-girl who decides to "Be A Little Wild," and disguise herself as a boy to get close to the school stud, Orlando Bateman, played by Derek Klena ("Dogfight," the upcoming "Anastasia"). Rosalind's best friend, Celia Duke (Patti Murin), has the hots for Walter "Touchtone" Jones ("In The Heights'" Robin DeJesus). Add the geeky duo that everyone is shipping, Phil Lipschitz (Nick Cearley) and Sylvie Feldman (Bonnie Milligan), and Orlando's misunderstood brother, Oliver (Sam Undersood), and you have a mash-up of Shakespeare and the iconic John Hughes films ("Breakfast Club," "Pretty in Pink") that entertains, whether you get the parallel with the source material or not.

Acquisto's music is straight out of the big-hair and leg-warmer time period of Bon Jovi (think "Livin On A Prayer") and Madonna (circa "Borderline"), and ventures into the Goth world of Simple Minds and A Flock Of Seagulls, as the various couples separate, contemplate, and ultimately unite in a nice, musical bow. Titles include the Celia / Oliver duet, "Creating a Monster," (Celia helps Oliver get a fashion makeover) the Rosalind / Orlando number, "It Could Totally Happen," (the realization that the two teens have been noticing each other since 9th grade) and the show stopping, "So Close, So Far Away," featuring "Matilda's" Lesli Margherita as mall rocker (a la Tiffany), Jackie West.

Laura Osnes and Nathan Johnson contribute the Bonus Track, "All of the Above," cut from the show. "Like You Like It" is a great time, especially for teen performers, and is now available for production through Playscripts.

"Like You Like It (Studio Cast RADcording)"
$12.99
CD and digital
www.broadwayrecords.com