I am a hearty and vociferous supporter of Woodward Shakespeare Festival, and though it turned out that I wasn't a big fan of the current production of "As You Like It," there are plenty of other people who disagreed with me -- as evidenced by some of the many comments posted on my original review! And, besides, I'm always a firm fan of community theater, and there's nothing like heading to the park for a picnic and some quality outside time with the Bard.

A bonus: Director Michael Peterson sets the play in hippie-era Southern California, and the set includes a real beach. So even if you can't get over to the Coast on this hot weekend, you can pretend.

There are three performances of "As You Like It" left -- tonight, Friday and Saturday. After that, "Richard III" opens Aug. 13.

Gates Open at 7 p.m. Chairs fill up early, so come before 7:30 p.m. to get one, bring your own or reserve a seat.) Performances start at 8. Catch a wave, dudes.

DONALD: I know I've moaned about this in the past, Kathy, but I can't help it: I am SO SICK of the judges on "So You Think You Can Dance." Perennial gasbag Nigel Lythgoe and red-faced-harpy-shrieker Mary Murphy were joined last night by the somewhat sane Mia Michaels and none other than Ellen Degeneres, who evidently was invited to "judge" based on the clumsy dance routines she kills time with on her daily talk show. The four of them, wedged onto the judging dais as if they were sitting economy class in the middle seats of a 747, managed to preen and overemote to such an extent that they overshadowed the dancing. Even their tears were torrential. If I could train my TIVO to fast forward through the judges' comments on this show automatically rather than make me push the button myself, I'd be a happy camper.

Anyway. More on the judges' excesses in a moment. As far as Fresno's Jason Glover is concerned, he once again turned in a very solid performance. He's blossoming on the show at just the right time in terms of personality and emotional range. Paired up with cool-cucumber Kayla Radomski, he performed in two routines: a slick Broadway number and an entertaining "zombie" hip-hop creation. Can you set the scene for us, Kathy ?

As the California State University Summer Arts program continues at Fresno State, I envision this rolling Beehive post as a place for the day's schedule, news, recommendations, reader reviews, gripes, background information -- anything related to the program. You can leave a comment here or send an email. (Special thanks to Jackie Doumanian at Summer Arts for helping us keep track of the calendar.)

THURSDAY July 23

We're really winding down here, folks: only two days of Summer Arts left. In terms of public performances, one of the biggest names has been saved for last: the Alexander String Quartet is back by popular demand in concert at 7 p.m. in the Concert Hall with a reception following. The quartet has performed in the major music capitals of four continents, securing its standing among the world's premier ensembles. Widely admired for its interpretations of Beethoven, Mozart, and Shostakovich, the Quartet has also established itself as an important advocate of new music through over 25 commissions and numerous premiere performances. Tickets are priced at $15 students/seniors; $20 general; $25 reserved.

Coming Friday: Gorge yourself, culture lovers, on the free student culminations that mark the end of the Summer Arts session. Here's the list:
Contemporary Painting and Digital Photography - 10 a.m., Conley Gallery
Dance - 11 a.m., John Wright Theatre
Writing Narratives, Part 2 - 1:30 p.m., Wahlberg Recital Hall
Digital Music - 3 p.m., Wahlberg Recital Hall
Chicago Style Comedy, Part 1 - 4:45 p.m., John Wright Theatre
Singer-Actor, Part 2 - 7 p.m., Concert Hall
Chicago Style Comedy, Part 2 - 8:45 p.m., John Wright Theatre