The two plays, which were written within two years of each other, around 1600, offer intriguing contrasts. As You Like It has never lost popularity in the past four centuries, whereas All's Well has hardly found any. In the rarely produced latter play, which is based on a fairy tale by Boccaccio, the valiant Helena must figure out how to become impregnated by a dimwitted husband who refuses to sleep with her. That's a neat trick, but you'd better believe she pulls it off.
Perhaps because it's deemed a "mature" comedy, As You Like It includes a surprising number of references to hatred and self-loathing. On the other hand, it also includes some musical moments, and, as we'll hear, Will was also a pretty mean lyricist. As You Like It features some of his greatest hits, including "It was a lover and his lass" and "Blow, blow, thou winter wind."
Two classic comedies, and only one full admission price. As Shakespeare might have exclaimed, "Holy mackerel! Whatta deal." Or was that Marlowe? No matter. Go. Enjoy. And, forsooth, don't forget to save that ticket stub.
