Hickory – Love notes grow on trees as wit, wrestling, poetry and music create a rare theatrical enchantment in William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, As You Like It. The much-beloved classic opens this weekend on the mainstage at the Hickory Community Theatre, beginning Friday at 8:00pm.

Tickets are available at the Theatre box office, in person or by phone at 828-328-2283. Online tickets may be purchased at hickorytheatre.org.

As You Like It is regarded as one of Shakespeare’s best comedies, where poetry, mistaken identities and true love lost and found abound. When Rosalind escapes to the Forest of Arden—disguised as a boy and with her cousin in tow—she seeks only refuge from her uncle’s wrath. But the woods are home to many an expatriate, with intertwined histories and mysteries to unravel on the journey home.

Performances of As You Like It are February 1-17, 2019, Fridays and Saturdays (Feb 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 & 16) at 8:00pm, Thursdays (Feb 7 & 14) at 7:30pm and Sundays (Feb 10 & 17) at 2:30pm. Tickets for Fridays through Sundays are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors (60 and over), and $10 for students and youth 18 and under. Tickets for Thursday night performances are $14 for adults and $10 for students and youth 18 and under.

Call the box office at 828-328-2283 or visit hickorytheatre.org to purchase tickets or get more information. HCT is a Funded Affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County.

The Theatre’s 2018-2019 Season is sponsored by Paramount Automotive and A Cleaner World. As You Like It is produced by Catawba Radiology.

Photo: Christy Rhianna Branch is Rosalind, Justin Thomas is Touchstone and Chelsea Weaver is Celia in As You Like It. The Shakespeare comedy opens on February 1, 2019 on the Jeffers Mainstage at the Hickory Community Theatre. Call 828-328-2283 or visit hickorytheatre.org for tickets or more information. Photo by Ken Burns.