The Chattanooga State Summer Theatre Festival opens its 2010 season with William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “As You Like It” on July 9. This new production inaugurates the Festival’s fourth season of bringing classical theatre to Chattanooga.

Shakespeare’s classic comedy tells the story of a princess on the run disguised as a boy who finds love and other romantic entanglements in the forest. This production takes its inspiration from the clashes of nineteen-sixties culture and mines laughs from it ideas of modernity.

The play runs Fridays-Sundays from JULY 16-Aug 1. The play is directed by CSRT Producing Director Garry lee Posey who provides the scenic design which compliments Brenda Schwab's costumes. It features Joey Tipton, Michael Pugh, R. Clay Johnson, Olivia Pugh, Jeremy Wilkins, Ginnybeth Gadd, Anne Winters, Ryan Laskowski, Randal Fosse, Doug May, Justin Wahlne, Evie Durant, Daniel Pound, Casey Keelen, and Trace Cline. Cline plays the guitar and sings original arrangements of Shakespeare's songs provided by Vincent Oliveri of California.

A special Hippie Picnic night will be held Saturday July 24. Audiences members are encouraged put on their love beads and bring a picnic to enjoy by the river or in the sculpture garden.

All Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:30 pm and take place in the Humanities Theatre at Chattanooga State, 4501 Amnicola Highway. Admission is $10. For more information call Garry Posey at (423)697-3257.