The School of Theatre and Dance’s production of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” delivered incredible acting and plenty of humor to a full house last week.

Following the story of Rosalind, Celia, Touchstone and Orlando, the main cast flees the courts of a cruel dictator. The characters try to get on with their lives during war, running into refugees, rebel fighters and town folks. It is a story of new relationships and true love, while also providing a modern commentary.

The play not only pleases those romantics in the crowd but also those seeking action, adventure, music and, above all, comedy. Amusing jesters with cynical humor lighten the mood during difficult situations, such as when Touchstone defends his love for Audrey, a goat girl. The cast balances these mood swings perfectly as they portray delicate emotions throughout.

The cast also plays instruments and sings folk songs throughout the play, adding to the unique nature of the production. Instruments, like trumpets, drums, guitars and a pipe, accompany the soft and flawless voices of the refugees. When Orlando’s friend is shot and begins dying, the friend begins singing an old folk song, and the refugees join in with instruments. The music throughout the production added a softer tone, giving the audience even more to enjoy.

The play doesn’t just encompass those on stage, as the actors have seats reserved in the audience where they run and sit, talking and leaning on those next to them. This unique way of incorporating the audience adds a new element to the production, which aids the comedic aspects of the play greatly.

Director Stanton Davis puts a modern twist on the Shakespeare classic with clothing, weaponry and sound effects. Among all of the humor, the modernity emphasizes the fact that there was a war still occurring, something which was reminiscent of the current political war the United States is facing.

Aside from the humor, there is a darker side to the play itself, which follows the struggle of a refugee. The cast expresses their pain and suffering with slow movements, subtle facial expressions and perfectly timed voice inflections.

With little stage scenery, the focus is almost solely on the actors on stage. This allows them to show off their incredible potential, forcing the audience to hone in on the characters themselves.

It is easy to tell the cast invested hard work in their characters, and the production was nearly flawless from start to finish, providing laughs as well as a thoughtful message.