The Colonial Theatre is presenting Shakespeare's sunny and clever comedy "As You Like It" with 8 p.m. performances Tuesday through Sunday until Aug. 3. The stage will be in Westerly's Wilcox Park.

Headlining the cast is actor David Birney, returning to the Colonial after a critically acclaimed performance as Shylock in The Merchant of Venice five years ago. On Broadway he had starring roles in Amadeus, Benefactors, and Man and Superman, among others. He has directed The Diaries of Adam and Eve for PBS, and appeared in many movies and television series over the years, including Bridget Loves Bernie, St. Elsewhere, and Serpico.

In the role of Rosalind is Alysia Reiner, a newcomer to the Festival. On the screen, she was seen as Christine, Jack's fiancée in the movie Sideways, winning a SAG award for outstanding ensemble cast. On television, Reiner's work has included appearances on the Sopranos, Law and Order, The Practice, Family Law, and The Drew Carey Show. Reiner will also be playing the recurring role of Cindy on this fall's new television series The Starter Wife.

For more information, go to the Colonial website at thecolonialtheater. org