Photo credit: Steven Townshend | Distant Era
As You Like It
by William Shakespeare
Midsommer Flight
Performed outdoors in 6 Chicago parks
June 26 – August 2, 2026
Reviews
“Midsommer Flight, Chicago’s most exciting Shakespearean company… What distinguishes this version is the hallmark of its Director, Beth Wolf. She obviously gathers the most capable actors for each role and then focuses on their enshrining the language of the original, as cleverly adapted… What Wolf has given us, via a vibrant and eloquent cast, is an As You Like It close to the true architecture and shape of the piece, finding and exploring numerous extraordinary colors in each role, each expression.”
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Splash Magazine, 07.20.2026
“Anyone who toddles over to see this free production during this year’s run will be lucky, indeed. … Director Beth Wolf’s sturdy and beguiling take on Shakespeare’s pastoral romance, streamlined to just under two intermissionless hours, brims with smart performances.”
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Chicago Reader, 07.02.2026
“Spectacular… Midsommer Flight gives the old texts modernity, witty asides, and an expressive atmosphere that makes the play easy to follow and understand. The acting is superior, and the inclusivity is a delightful and refreshing display of humanity at its finest. Talent of the Midsommer Flight cast would rival that of any Shakespearean theatre company, charging hundreds of dollars for seats, and staging productions in grand halls. And the best part? The productions are completely free to the public. The accessibility, the garden park scenery, and the flowy costuming truly provide a magical experience.”
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
BuzzCenterStage 06.30.2026
“With top-notch humor, live music, and even audience participation, Midsommer Flight promises a delightful night of Shakespearean entertainment. … Founding artistic director Beth Wolf succeeds in both directing and adapting Shakespeare’s texts in a way that is accessible and entertaining for its audience. … a vibrant, engaging performance that keeps the audience entertained from beginning to end. Midsommer Flight proves why it has become one of Chicago’s premier presenters of free Shakespeare.”
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Third Coast Review, 06.29.2026
“Directed by Beth Wolf, As You Like It is a vibrant and playful romantic comedy… this was my first Midsommer Flight production, and it was so full of life, love, and laughter that I can see how the company has become synonymous with high-quality theater.”
RECOMMENDED
Broadwayworld, 06.28.2026
Cast and Crew
Cast: Brandon Beach* (Silvius, he/him), Triniti Cruz (Phebe, she/her), Ian Voltaire Deanes (Oliver, he/him), Barry Irving* (Duke Frederick/Duke Senior, he/him), Connor O. Locklin (Charles et al., he/him), Stephanie Mattos* (Rosalind, she/her), Riley Samuel Merritt (Amiens et al., he/him), Jennifer Mohr (Audrey, she/her), Jack Morsovillo* (Jaques, he/him), Ebby Offord* (Celia, she/they), Thomas Russell (Orlando, he/they), Chase Wheaton-Werle (Touchstone, he/him)
Understudies: Robert Wood Frank (U/S Silvius/Touchstone, he/him), Alexander P. Garza (U/S Duke Frederick/Duke Senior, he/him), MJ Handsome (U/S Rosalind/Celia, she/they), Jerome Michael Jones (U/S Orlando/Oliver, he/him), Matt Keeley (U/S Amiens/Charles et al, he/him), Siyi Wang (U/S Audrey/Phebe, she/her)
Production Staff: Beth Wolf* (Director), Hailey Piorek* (Stage Manager), Joshua Pennington (Assistant Director), Chloe Stueber (Assistant Stage Manager), Courtney Abbott (Intimacy Director), Jeremiah Barr (Scenic and Props Designer), Bryson David Hoff (Vocal Coach), Becca Holloway (Casting Director), Jack Morsovillo* (Music Director), Rachel Sypniewski (Costume Designer), Will Wilhelm (Text Coach)
*denotes Midsommer Flight ensemble member
