{"id":343041,"date":"2021-04-28T06:00:09","date_gmt":"2021-04-27T20:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=343041"},"modified":"2021-04-28T06:00:09","modified_gmt":"2021-04-27T20:00:09","slug":"mcs-theatre-club-knights-take-stage-for-as-you-like-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/mcs-theatre-club-knights-take-stage-for-as-you-like-it\/","title":{"rendered":"MCS Theatre Club Knights take stage for \u2018As You Like It\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Kina Dela Cruz , left, and Larry Cruz play the lead roles of Rosalind and Orlando, respectively in the Mount Carmel School Theatre Club adaptation of William Shakespeare\u2019s classic comedy, \u201cAs You Like It.\u201d (CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As part of the ongoing celebration of its 25th anniversary, Mount Carmel School\u2019s Theatre Club returns to William Shakespeare with an adaption of his classic comedy, \u201cAs You Like It.\u201d Taking on the challenge of staging a Shakespeare show are two club veterans, Kina Dela Cruz and Larry Cruz, who play the lead roles of Rosalind and Orlando, respectively. <\/p>\n

Dela Cruz is no stranger to the stage, having acted in several productions, including the lead role of Tasi in the Theatre Club\u2019s 2019 production of \u201cTasi.\u201d Despite all that experience, though, her current role has pushed her to grow as an actor. In particular, she is playing a character who disguises herself as a man in order to learn the true intentions of a potential suitor. \u201cIt has been a challenge to switch from playing the girl character to the manly character.\u201d She added, \u201cI have had to learn how to change my body movements and the way I speak.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cruz is also no stranger to the club, having acted in several productions and recently directing one of the stories in the club\u2019s award-winning \u201cWe Drank Our Tears\u201d series. Still, he too struggled with his role. As he put it, \u201cIn real life, I am the oldest sibling, but my character is the youngest sibling, so adjusting to that different mindset was challenging.\u201d<\/p>\n

Their challenges on stage, though, have been worth it. In particular, they appreciate the close relationships they have forged with fellow cast and crew members. As Dela Cruz put it, \u201cI love how close we all became.\u201d Likewise, Cruz said, \u201cThey\u2019ve become my family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Those close relationships are one reason Dela Cruz and Cruz keep returning to the Theatre Club. Dela Cruz said, \u201cSlowly, this club has become a part of me, and coming back to theatre for each production is like coming home.\u201d<\/p>\n

For Cruz, the family of the club has allowed him to feel comfortable in his own skin. \u201cIn Theatre Club, you can find yourself. It\u2019s a place that allows us to grow as individuals surrounded by people who understand and love you for who you are.\u201d He added, \u201cWithout theatre, I would still be that closed-off, introverted guy with anxiety attacks. It\u2019s helped me grow in school and how I present myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs You Like It\u201d follows its heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle\u2019s court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually, love, with Orlando in the Forest of Arden. In the forest, they encounter a variety of memorable characters, notably Jaques, who speaks many of Shakespeare\u2019s most famous speeches, including a monologue that begins with the Theatre Club\u2019s slogan, \u201cAll the world\u2019s a stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

Launched in 1996, the MCS Theatre Club celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, commemorating over 50 theatrical and cinematic productions, including several Disney musicals, numerous Shakespeare plays, and a number of original productions. The club started this year\u2019s celebration in February with the sold-out premiere of the latest entry in its award-winning \u201cWe Drank Our Tears\u201d series, the \u201cStories of Visitacion, Henry, and Dave\u201d at American Memorial Park. The club will continue the celebration after \u201cAs You Like It\u201d with a sequel ten years in the making, May\u2019s premiere of the feature film \u201cZero2Hero\u201d, a follow-up to 2011\u2019s cult hit, \u201cZero to Hero.\u201d Later this year, the club will continue the celebration with another feature film, \u201cIsla\u201d, and the classic musical, \u201cThe Sound of Music\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs You Like It\u201d will be presented on the Mount Carmel School campus on April 30 and May 1 starting at 7pm each night. Tickets are $25 for front row premium seats and $10 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased at Herman\u2019s Modern Bakery, Java Joe\u2019s Kagman Mobil, Naked Fish Bar & Grill, Puerto Rico Shell, TRIBE MARIANAS, and the school\u2019s Business Office. To comply with COVID-19 Mitigation Guidelines, tickets are limited and are available only on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n

Funding for this production is provided by the CNMI CARES Relief Fund for Organizations and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. For more information, visit www.mountcarmelsaipan.com. (PR)<\/p>\n