As You Like It

Adapted by Brian Harrower, under the inspired direction of Benjamin T. Ismail, this must-see pastoral comedy makes its mark by bringing the French duchy and Forest of Arden to Sacramento—literally. Rosalind (Jamie Kale, in a standout performance) flees the court to live a life of banishment in the strange Forest of Arden and encounters odd characters that show her a life devoid of time and embellishments. Other notable peformances include Mary Katherine Cobb as the devoted cousin, Celia; Casey Worthington, who brings the fire in his flaming Touchstone; and Matthew Donaldson, who shows off perfect deadpan timing as the lovelorn Silvius. Most memorable, however, is Kirk Blackinton as Jacques—usually played as a pompous “melancholy gentlemen.” Here, the character’s depicted as a mentally ill vagrant. Th, F & Sa 8pm. Through 3/30. $10-$15. Big Idea Theatre, 1616 Del Paso Blvd.; (916) 960-3036; www.bigideatheatre.com.