(RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater's signature arts education program, A Little Shakespeare, adapted and directed by Noelle Marion returns to the helm with As You Like It. Now in its 13th year, A Little Shakespeare engages young artists with the work of the Bard, in an abridged production directed and designed by theater professionals, and performed and supported backstage by high school students. This year's production runs from January 17-25, 2026.
The Forest of Arden is full of possibilities! Banished by her uncle and disguised as a boy, Rosalind and her beloved cousin Celia journey into the woods and discover new friends, love letters, music, and ultimately, themselves.
"Little Shakes is my favorite time of year," says Two River's Director of Education Kate Cordaro. "Students are always blown away by the dedication and talent of so many professional theater artists and artisans who work to fully support their production. And we, in turn, are inspired by their joy and potential; we all make a great team! We can't wait to share this beautiful production with audiences!"
The Student Cast and Backstage Team includes: from East Brunswick Magnet School, John Barrera (Sound Assistant), Rylie Clancy (Directing Assistant), and Taniyah Williams (Lighting Assistant); from Grunin Performing Arts Academy, Caitlin Cardillo (Audrey), Evan Gabriel (Touchstone), and Casey Walker (Silvius); from Henry Hudson Regional School, Lake Gulian (Assistant Stage Manager), Lily Hensle (Duke Senior), and Evelynn Knox (Celia); from Holmdel High School, Mason Christy (Orlando); from Howell High School – FPAC, Anthony Cea (Oliver), Ace Dunleavy-Wallace (Amiens), and Jaidah Grant (Jaques); from Neptune High School, Scarlett Davis (Duke Frederick); from Ocean Township High School, Evlyn Boaventura (Scenic / Props Assistant); and from Red Bank Regional High School – VPA, Gabi Giamo (Rosalind) and Zelda Golland (Phoebe).
Performances take place Saturday, January 17 at 7:00pm; Sunday, January 18 at 2:00pm; Saturday, January 24 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm; and Sunday, January 25 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for 12 and Under. Tickets are available for purchase online. Two River Theater is located at 21 Bridge Avenue in Red Bank, New Jersey.
The Creatives include Noelle Marion (Adaptor/Director), Teresa L. Williams (Scenic Designer), Travis Chinick (Costume Designer), Samantha Weiser (Lighting Designer), Ryan Marsh (Sound Designer), Bailey Dumlao (Associate Director/Fight Consultant), Meghan Doyle & Tim O'Hara (Composer/Music Director), and Megan Smith (Stage Manager).
Two River Theater's 2025/26 Season Sponsor is Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center.
Two River Theater is funded in part by public support through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the State of New Jersey, and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners. Private support includes Citizens Philanthropic Foundation, Courtyard by Marriott, Edgerton Foundation, Grunin Foundation, Merrill G. & Emita E. Hastings Foundation, Investors Foundation, Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, MacMillian Family Foundation, Manasquan Bank Charitable Foundation, Molly Pitcher Inn and The Oyster Point Hotel, Monmouth University, OceanFirst Bank, OceanFirst Foundation, Open Heart Yoga, Senior Living Residences Marlboro, The Shubert Foundation, The Stone Foundation of New Jersey, Triumph Brewing Company, Visiting Nurse Association of NJ Health Group, Zager Fuchs P.C., and other generous funders.
Award-winning Two River Theater, located in Red Bank, New Jersey, is where bold stories inspire imagination and connection. Each season, the theater produces a mix of new plays, reimagined classics, and musicals, along with new work development, education programs for young people, and community engagement events that bring people of all ages together.
Across its 80,000-square-foot campus, more than 20,000 students, families, and theater lovers experience Two River's acclaimed productions each year on its two stages: the 343-seat Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater and the flexible 110-seat Marion Huber Theater. The theater also houses state-of-the-art scenic, costume, and property shops.
Two River has launched productions that have reached international audiences, including Be More Chill by Tony Award® nominees Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz—the theater's first Broadway production—which went on to play in London's West End and Japan. Recognized by USA TODAY as one of the "10 Great Places to See a Play," Two River Theater is led by Artistic Director Justin Waldman and Managing Director Nora DeVeau-Rosen.
