For the second performance of the Bluegrass As You Like It in Centennial Park we had the pleasure of sitting in the Royal Box – a small, covered area of raked seating to one side of the stage. We were in exceptional company.
Not only did we meet former Executive Director of the festival, Tony Mcalister, and his wife, but I had the great pleasure of sitting next to Ann Jennalie Cook, professor emerita of Vanderbilt University and Life Trustee of The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, and her husband Jerry Calhoun. Ann treated us to some of her delicious peach ice-cream, and we even managed to give some to Celia between scenes in the second half…
The Rosalind that Ann justly praises was played by Emily Landham.
And the very distinctive music she mentions was composed especially for the production by the famous Country music writer, David Olney.