A Note from the Director
When I first explained that my directorial concept was to set this production of As You Like It in the 90s, it was because many Shakespeare scholars think that Shakespeare created The Forest of Arden in honor of his mother and a throwback to his childhood, and the 1990s was the setting for my own childhood. Arden was William Shakespeare’s mother’s maiden name. The Forest of Arden would, at one time, have surrounded his childhood home. He takes this forest, moves it to France, and puts all sorts of unlikely, quirky, FUN characters and events inside of it. The more I worked on the play, the more I found similarities with the themes of the 90s sitcoms I grew up loving to watch. It is a show that is silly, hopeful, reminds us one minute that everyone some day will die and reminds us the next minute that if you haven’t done something ridiculous for love in your life, then it is probably just a matter of time before you do. Arden can be a challenge at times. The characters get frustrated and worry where their next meal may come from or if they have escaped the injustice of the outside world. They wonder if the songs and pretend loves they have while in the forest will translate to a happily ever after once they leave again. They also find hope, delight, and new friends. In all those ways, the Forest of Arden reminds me a little bit of the theatre itself. So I hope your brief time in Arden gives you the chance to smile, remember some simple, silly joys, and to walk away with a little more hope than you had when you arrived.
-Amanda Noel Trombley
Meet the Cast
Alejandra Luna (Rosalind) is so excited to be back in Arizona after graduating with a BFA in Acting from Western Michigan University. Her most memorable roles are Yasmin in Water By The Spooful (WMU), Rosaline in Love’s Labour’s Lost (Chandler Gilbert Community College) and originating Damiet in the world premiere of Esmoriet/Lipjin (Mostly Medieval Theatre Festival). She would would like her mom for her unwavering love and support.
Brian Maticic (Orlando) received his B.S. in theatre performance from NAU. Acting: Black Stache/ Peter and the Starcatcher (ariZoni nomination), Robert/ 12 Days of Christmas, Bob/ Revenge of the Space Pandas, Duke Orsino/ Twelfth Night, Bill/ Poseidon’s Regret. Directing: She Kills Monsters, Love’s Labours Lost, Be a Good Little Widow, Princess and the Pirate, Beyond Musketeers: Utopia Lost, missing grace, The Oz Chronicles. Playwright: Playing Games, Non-fat Soy Peppermint Mocha Latte … With Sprinkles, 12 Days of Christmas, Beyond Musketeers: Utopia Lost, Windfall, Depend on Me.
Mary Plante (Celia) is an English and drama teacher who has performed all around the valley. Her most frequent appearances have been at Stage Left Productions, where she has played, among other roles, Gretchen in Boeing-Boeing, Bobbi in Last of the Red Hot Lovers, and Charilee in The Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular. Love you, Ryan!
Brady Anderson (Duke Frederick/Senior) is elated to be performing in the amphitheatre again! Other credits include Big Fish, 12 Days, Much Ado, Powerhouse, Return To Rosie’s, Midsummer’s, Depend on Me (Brelby), Seussical, Once Upon A Mattress (Theater Works), It’s A Wonderful Life (DBFRT). He’ll soon be an uncle, but who knows if he’ll be the cool one.
Joey Whelan (Oliver/Silvius) is excited to be returning to Brelby after making his debut in Much Ado About Nothing. He has recently done shows at Ghostlight Theatre and with the AZ Opera. In addition to acting, he has also written and directed.
April Rideout (Phoebe) is thrilled to be back at Brelby for this hilarious Shakespearean comedy! Previous credits include: Alice in A Christmas Carol (TheaterWorks), Dahlia In Spin (Brelby), Grace in Annie (Desert Foothills Theater), and Marie Louise in We’re No Angels (Don Bluth Front Row Theatre). Special thanks to friends and family for love & support.
CD Macauley (Jacques) is marking his Brelby debut. Favorite AZ credits include Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple, ex-President Art Hockstader in The Best Man and directing Steel Magnolias. A transplanted New Yorker, C.D. holds a B.A. in Drama from the University of Maryland and enjoys the bachelor’s life in Peoria with Buddy, his adorable cocker spaniel.
Ian Rey Sausedo (Touchstone) is overjoyed to be performing in their second Brelby stage production. After their last performance as Silvia Rivera in Return to Rosie’s Pub, they knew they found their new home theatre. Ian Rey has had an amazing time both acting and makeup designing for this production and wants to thank their family and their new Brelby family for all the support and love.
Mackenzie Morgan (Audrey, Le Beau, First Lord) is so excited to be taking Brelby’s stage for the second time in As You Like It. Mackenzie’s most recent credits include “Lucy” in Avenue Q, “Cat” in Honk and her all time favorite role “Jenny Hill” in Big Fish. Mackenzie would like to thank the entire production team and cast for being so kind and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Michael Rodriguez (Jaques de Boys/ Ensemble) is thrilled to be apart of the cast of As You Like It! He is currently attending MCC studying Theatre. He wishes to thank his fellow cast, crew and director for being great and supportive!
Shelby Huston (Charles the Wrestler/Amiens) is excited to be performing again! Her previous Shakespearean credits include Hippolyta and Hermia in A Midsummer Nights Dream. Much love to her family, friends, and Sarah & Rebecca for keeping her sane.
Chris Ulbrich (Adam/Corin) is a Tony Award watching actor who graced many of Arizona’s stages. Chris’s most notable role was Harold in Ghostlight Theatres production of Stuck Moving Up for which he received an AriZoni nomination for best supporting actor. Other memorable roles include Mick in Any Given Monday and Estragon in Waiting For Godot for which he received an Irene Ryan nomination. Chris would like to thank his family for their love and support.
Meet the Production Team
Amanda Noel Trombley (Director) A native Arizonan, Amanda earned a Bachelor’s from Pepperdine University and an MFA in Shakespeare and Performance from Mary Baldwin College in association with the American Shakespeare Center. Since graduating, she has been involved with theatre around the valley as an actor (Sister James in Doubt, Germaine in Picasso at the Lapin Agile, and more.), director (How I Learned to Drive, The Tempest, and more), writer (Alphabet Shakespeare series, her blog: AlphabetResolutions.com, and more), text coach, and teacher. She last worked with Brelby alongside her husband, Dan, to direct Much Ado About Nothing. Serve. Love. Mend.
Brian Maticic (Scenic Design/ Lighting Design) received his B.S. in theatre performance from NAU. Acting: Black Stache/ Peter and the Starcatcher (ariZoni nomination), Robert/ 12 Days of Christmas, Bob/ Revenge of the Space Pandas, Duke Orsino/ Twelfth Night, Bill/ Poseidon’s Regret. Directing: She Kills Monsters, Love’s Labours Lost, Be a Good Little Widow, Princess and the Pirate, Beyond Musketeers: Utopia Lost, missing grace, The Oz Chronicles. Playwright: Playing Games, Non-fat Soy Peppermint Mocha Latte … With Sprinkles, 12 Days of Christmas, Beyond Musketeers: Utopia Lost, Windfall, Depend on Me.
Shelby Elise Maticic (Costume Design) is a Zoni nominated playwright and designer. She received her BS in Theatre Performance from NAU, and her MFA in Arts Entrepreneurship and Management from ASU. Shelby is proud to serve as the Vice President of the ariZoni Awards of Theatre Excellence. Select Brelby Acting Credits: Peter and the Starcatcher (Molly Aster) She Kills Monsters (Agnes), Twelfth Night (Viola), Playing Games (Mel), Fangirl (Sophia), Windfall (Olivia). Select Brelby Directing credits: Godspell, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Little Women: the musical, Little Shop of Horrors, Ghost the Musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Dogfight, Heathers the Musical. Extra love to Brian and Rory.
Shelby Huston (Hair & Makeup Design) is excited to be performing again! Her previous Shakespearean credits include Hippolyta and Hermia in A Midsummer Nights Dream. Much love to her family, friends, and Sarah & Rebecca for keeping her sane.
Ian Rey Sausedo (Hair & Makeup Design) is overjoyed to be performing in their second Brelby stage production. After their last performance as Silvia Rivera in Return to Rosie’s Pub, they knew they found their new home theatre. Ian Rey has had an amazing time both acting and makeup designing for this production and wants to thank their family and their new Brelby family for all the support and love.
Rebecca Ulbrich (Prop Design/Sound Design) is excited to be working on another Shakespeare production. While she has been prop designer for many shows in the past she is grateful for the opportunity to design sound for the first time. Past credits include Much Ado About Nothing (props), Spy Love You (props/ASM) and Big Fish (SM). Many thanks to Amanda, Shelby, Brian and the cast and crew of this wonderful production!
Thank you to our show sponsors!
The City of Glendale Arts & Culture Initiative
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