As You Like It

As You Like It
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
The Drilling Company
July 23, 2026 

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of As You Like It is a perfect way to spend a summer evening.  This marks the company’s thirty-first year of presenting free summer Shakespeare on the Lower East Side, and they never cease to amaze.  Director Hamilton Clancy has again brought together a phenomenal cast of highly skilled actors who fill the parking lot on the corner of Norfolk and Rivington with joy and enthusiasm. 

Roselind (played by Lia Bonfilio), daughter of the banished Duke (played by Chris Martel), falls in love with Orlando (played by Patrick Hart), after he wins a wrestling match against Charles (played by Raphael Del Rio).  When Rosalind is accused of treason and banished from the court by her uncle (also played by Chris Martel), her cousin Celia (played by Thammie Laine Quach) decides to go with her.  They flee to the Forest of Arden.  Their servant, Touchstone (played by Andy Rowell) reluctantly joins them.  For safety, Rosalind disguises herself as Ganymede, and Celia disguises herself as Aliena.  Their journey through the Forest of Arden brings confusion, challenge, discoveries of love, and awakenings of self-awareness that none of them expect. 

Patrick Hart & Lia Bonfilio
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Lia Bonfilio and Partick Hart explore the multiple layers in Shakespeare’s words, creating stimulating moments of sincere emotional connection as Roselind and Orlando.  They have a wonderful, natural chemistry that penetrates through any disguise Rosalind chooses to wear. Thammie Laine Quach’s Celia/Aliena brings humor to Rosalind’s tricking of Orlando in the forest, until she meets up with Oliver (played by Emmanuel Elpenord).  Mr. Elpenord is captivating as Oliver.  He and Ms. Quach develop a beguiling connection. 

Thammie Laine Quach & Andy Rowell
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Rosalind meets Silvio (played by Dan Teachout) and Phoebe (played by Lizabeth Allen) in the forest, and becomes a foil for their love.  Mr. Teachout portrays Silvio as a simple and honest peasant.  Ms. Allen’s Phoebe is cunning, yet easily distracted.  They are charming together.  The scenes they share with Ms. Bonfilio are genuinely riveting. 

Andy Rowell delivers a bold and daring Touchstone.  He is meek in his initial departure from the court,  yet wild and adventurous when seeking love, which he finds with the seductive Audrey (played by Carly Grisson).  David Marantz portrays Jacques as a grounded philosopher, and delivers Shakespeare’s “Seven Ages of Man” with intrigue, humor, and wisdom.  

Emauel Elpenord, Carly Grissom, Adama Joy Sall, & David Marantz
Phtoco courtesy of The Drilling Company

There are also distinctive performances by Chris Martel, Robert Arcaro, Raphael Del Rio, Carly Grisson, and Adama Joy Sall.  Director Hamilton Clancy stepped into the role of Corrine due to an actor’s illness.  He was smooth and confidant, as always.  The original music by Natalie Smith, Andrew Gombas, Adama Joy Small, and David Marantz beautifully transforms the atmosphere of the parking lot into the mystical and magical Forest of Arden.

As You Like It is playing in the parking lot on 145 Stanton Street, between Norfolk and Suffolk on the Lower East Side through August 1.  Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:00 PM.  The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot productions are always a summer treat.  Don’t miss this one! 

Domenick Danza