A Midsummer Night's Dream at Atholton High School

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Permalink Reply by Cara Jurney on November 8, 2009 at 2:11pm

Love, laughter, singing, and one crazy night in the woods; is it the 60’s, or is it Shakespeare? In Atholton High School’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, it’s both!

Atholton aptly chose to set this classic Shakespearean play in the 1960’s. In it, Hermia and Lysander love each other, and while Helena loves Demetrius, his heart is also fixed on Hermia. Hermia’s father wants her to marry Demetrius, so she and Lysander run away into the forest, where they are soon followed by the others. Meanwhile, also in the forest are a group of actors rehearsing a scene for the Duke’s wedding, and the entire kingdom of fairies. When these three groups collide, both affections and species fluctuate, and at any time, mayhem is inevitable.

Everything in this production progressed throughout the show. As the plot’s chaos intensified, so did the other aspects. The costumes developed from entirely black and white to tie-dye, the actors’ gestures went from minimal to extreme, and the activity of the ensemble increased exponentially. However all aspects were consistent as they deepened, following a logical growth pattern.

Much of this production’s strength lies in its ensembles and the standout members of each. The actors, fairies, and lovers all worked exceptionally well together to make many over-the top uproarious moments. All members were consistently active in the background, the actors rehearsing for their respective roles, and the fairies poking their heads out from behind trees, or mocking the lovers’ fighting. All of the actors used strong physical choices to distinguish themselves from the rest, but Bottom, played by Jeremy Goldman, had a giant donkey head for much of the show, eliminating the use of his face and one of his arms, thus significantly limiting his physical options. However, Goldman more than compensated with vocal choices and use of the rest of his body, never faltering in expertly conveying his pompous, overstated character. Another notable performer was Austin Nam, as the fairy king, Oberon, who found an excellent balance between fairy and king. He seamlessly flowed from the ethereal fairy, speaking softly and moving with fluidity, to the forceful ruler, speaking harshly and gesticulating with power.

The technical aspects of this show played an important role in the clarity of this production. As the night progressed, the moon glided across the back of the stage, and the lighting expressed sunrise beautifully, with the back wall of the stage lit in reds and oranges. Music was also used to clarify, with songs like “Happy Together” by the Nylons to convey the time period.

Even though the nights of Atholton High School’s fall play weren’t exactly mid-summer, the strength of this production certainly made it a dream!

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Permalink Reply by Taylor Gable on November 8, 2009 at 8:35pm

As the lights were dimmed, in walked a group of well-dressed men, here to tell the audience about what was to become the story, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. There was no set to be found at this time, but to be later revealed; beautiful scenery of trees, hills, and cliffs were to arrive. This play was very well executed, and consistently left the audience laughing hysterically throughout.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream portrays the escapades of four young lovers and their interactions with the Duke of Athens, Theseus, the Queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta, and all of the fairies that dwell in a moonlit forest. Theseus is preparing for his marriage to Hippolyta while Egeus wishes his daughter, Hermia, to marry Demetrius. But, Hermia is in love with Lysander so she refuses to obey. Hermia is given until Theseus’ wedding day to consider her options, knowing that disobeying her father’s wishes would mean that she would be sent to a convent or even executed. In the woods, Oberon, the fairy king, sends his servant, Puck, to acquire a magical flower, which can be spread over a sleeping person’s eyelids to make that person fall in love with the first thing they see upon waking. This flower causes much confusion and rivalry throughout the play. Will the magic ever be reversed, or will Hermia be sent to the convent?
Each and every actor brought consistently great expression and emotion to this production. The characters’ movement, facial expressions, and fantastic acting made A Midsummer Night’s Dream it fun and enjoyable for the entire audience.
The show was stolen by Bottom, played by Jeremy Goldman, with his hilarious expressions and great energy. Hermia, played by Cecilia Grady; Lysander, played by Jonathan Osheroff; Demetrius, played by Brian Yawney; and Helena, played by Erin Patterson, created a fun energy that brought the story to a different level. Puck, played by Chikodili Agwuna, was well-cast, with her soothing voice, and calm mannerisms. Oberon, played by Austin Nam, was a very funny character with his witty sayings, and quick comebacks.
The characters, Quince, Bottom, Flute, Snout, Snug, and Starveling, involved in the mini play, all knew exactly what to do to make the audience laugh. The way the fairies peeked their heads through the trees added a comedic entity to the sometime serious portions of the show.
The 1960s setting made the play more whimsical and quirky then normally seen, but it worked well with the costumes chosen. The hippie-style clothing was perfect for the set time period. The donkey head was an amazing creation, and was a great interpretation of Shakespeare’s original ideas. The tech crew did a fantastic job at creating great imagery using the lights, sets, and sound. The show ended with a group sing-along to the song “Happy Together” which brought the story to a close, and fit perfectly with the 60s theme.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with the beautiful technical nuances, fabulous acting and overall energy, was a dream. As said by Puck, “If we shadows have offended, think but this, and all is mended: That you have but slumbered here, while these visions did appear; and this weak and idle theme, no more yielding but a dream.”

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Permalink Reply by Shelby Smith on November 9, 2009 at 12:35am

The Shakespearian play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, performed by students at Atholton High School was innovative with a unique interpretation which set the play in the 1960's. The production emphasized a change from rules to freedom making this production effective.
A Midsummer Night's Dream is a play written by William Shakespeare that has been performed many times. It is about two women Hermia and Helena and two men Demetrius and Lysander. Both men begin the show in love with Hermia but she loves Lysander and Helena loves Demetrius. Hermia and Lysander flee to the forest to escape and Helena leads Demetrius into the forest as well. There a conflict between the king and queen fairies occurs and confusion happens with the potion. There is also a funny group of male actors who are to put on a show for the marriage between Theseus and Hippolyta.
The production had a creative interpretation with its costumes and characteristics. Each actor had developed their character and understood what was happening on stage. It was very well cast, each lead seemed to fit the part perfectly. There was so much energy on stage throughout the entire show, each person was having fun. Also the development of the comedy was executed perfectly with a very small and controlled beginning to an over the top ending.
Each lead was very strong. Hermia played by Cecilia Grady was small but full of spunk. She had so much energy when she fought to get Lysander back. There was a great connection between her and Lysander played by Jonathan Osheroff who was fun to watch. He was believable with his interactions with Hermia and they weren't afraid to get in each other's faces. Demetrius played by Brian Yawney had many funny moments. Helena played by Erin Patterson and she had great facial expressions and was very believable in. Robin goodfellow played by Chikodili Agwuna was very mysterious and fit the part well and her monologue at the end was great.
The actors Quince played by Brad Plaxen, Bottom played by Jeremy Goldman, Flute played by Jack Angelo, Snout played by Sam Kobren, Snug played by Scott Jones, and Starveling played by Ricky Lasser were hilarious and stole the show. They each had their own mannerisms that they executed perfectly and were extremely entertaining. Also, Puck’s shadows played by Spencer Franco and Jake McMichael had a lot of energy as well as the rest of the ensemble and had great reactions.
The idea to have no set for Athens compared to an elaborate set for the woods transitioned from limits to freedom. Also the lighting showed the time of night with a moon traveling upstage. The costumes were great and the black and white idea in the beginning progressing to color throughout the show was executed almost perfectly.
This production was fun for everyone and shows that despite Shakespeare's many tragedies he was actually a really funny guy.

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Permalink Reply by Lindsay Guchhait on November 9, 2009 at 5:54pm

Bizarre events have been known to transpire beneath the thick canopies of verdant woodlands, and the strange happenings in the mystical A Midsummer Night’s Dream forest are no exception. Take, for example, a scheme involving a love potion, feuding fairies, and a man who becomes, overnight, a half-donkey. One can almost see the mist and fairy dust in Atholton High School’s production of the Shakespearean staple.

Hermia, a young Athenian woman, has been promised in marriage to a suitor named Demetrius. Of course, this presents a problem for Hermia, who loves another man named Lysander, and the complications only continue when Helena, Hermia’s friend, admits that she loves Lysander as well. The lovers, pursued by Demetrius and Helena, steal away into a nearby forest, where they become inadvertently tangled in the latest argument between Oberon and Titania, the fairy king and queen. Their constant bickering creates the perfect opportunity for the inept but well-meaning fairy Robin (or Puck) to cause mischief. Before long, Hermia’s two suitors are under the control of a powerful love potion, and a group readying a play loses their leading man when a donkey head replaces his own. The absurdity continues until Puck remedies the situations.

This play is set in ancient Greece, but Atholton’s production is in the 1960s. Aside from outfits and songs, little else—including cultural references or slang—is offered to make a solid connection to the time. Some speech, however, is relaxed to subtly modernize it. Shakespeare is incredibly difficult to adapt, and overall, Midsummer was well-directed.

It was also well-cast, with undeniable chemistry between Cecilia Grady as Hermia and Jonathan Osheroff as Lysander. Grady definitely communicated the stress on Hermia, and Erin Patterson as Helena delivered a forceful and energetic performance. Osheroff and Brian Yawney as Demetrius took animation to extremes when their characters fight under the influence of the love potion.

Jeremy Goldman as Bottom, who, due to Puck, exchanges his human head for a donkey’s, took full advantage of his character’s over-the-top personality through voice and gesture. Chelsea Miller as Titania adeptly exaggerated her character’s forcefulness and seductiveness. Austin Nam, completely in-character as Oberon, also drums in a number near the end. Chikodili Agwana (Puck), Puck’s shadows, and Bottom’s fellow workmen provide abundant comic relief.

The lighting was incredibly evocative, as were the forest backdrop and props. Sound was mostly controlled except for a few instances of microphone malfunction, which can be unpredictable. Costumes revived the 1960s atmosphere, and the usage of black-and-white outfits in the beginning versus color at the end was creative. Several of the outfits, including those of Oberon and Titania, reflected the characters’ personalities.

Atholton delivers a polished, and sometimes risky, production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream that is both comical and thought-provoking (though mostly comical). Great acting and a unique twist on the story will perhaps leave one, like any pleasant dream, wishing one could fall back asleep to see more.

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Permalink Reply by Erin Case on November 13, 2009 at 6:57pm

Love triangles, magic love potions, lovers fleeing angry fathers, and fairy flower children. No, this isn’t a soap opera. It’s Shakespeare.

In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare proves that magic, fairies, and love do not mix. Trouble brews in the fairy kingdom, as King Oberon and Queen Titania clash over a little Indian boy. Their tempers rise as the nuptial day of the kingdom’s King, Theseus, draws near, causing problems out in the real world. Two teens, Hermia and Lysander, are in love, but her father, Egeus, will not allow them to wed, instead giving her two choices: marry the man he has chosen, Demetrius, who has seduced Hermia’s friend, Helena, or be put in a nunnery. When they all find themselves in the woods, the fairies decide to intervene and end up creating more problems than they solve. At the same time, six craftsmen are in the woods rehearsing a play for Theseus’ wedding day. All set in the chaos of the 1960’s, with magic flowers, playful fairies, and some over the top fight scenes, this is not your average play.

The ensemble shines in this show at Atholton High School, lead by the overdramatic over actor, Bottom, played by Jeremy Goldman. Never has an audience laughed so hard as when he was onstage, dying 1,000 violent deaths in the play within the play. His supporting actors, played by Brad Plaxen, Jack Angelo, Sam Kobren, Scott Jones, and Ricky Lasser deserve as much credit, their hilarious, often adorable antics causing the audience sometimes to laugh, and other times to let out an audible “Awwwww.” The mischievous Puck, played by Chikodili Agwuna, is not to be forgotten. Her speeches in the final scene entranced and silenced an otherwise vocal audience, who were made to feel as if magic really was in the auditorium that night.

Though there were some issues with sound, the lighting and set more than made up for it. A large yellow moon hung over the set in the night, and when the morning came, a bright red sunrise, designed by Brian Mowrey, could be seen behind the trees. Chelsea Meissner’s aptitude for set design is shown throughout the design of the woods, from the bower set high in the trees, to the mobile flowerbed. The costumes of the fairies, designed by Maureen Monk, made it clear that the time period was the 60’s in a way no other part of the play did, and fit very well with the characters. And, of course, none of this could have happened without the adept crew, who had obviously practiced the quick changes of the set many times.

This show proves that “reason and love keep little company these days.” Laughter and a great night are in store for anyone who goes and sees this lighthearted romantic comedy at Atholton High School.

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Permalink Reply by Julia Celtnieks on November 13, 2009 at 10:44pm

A classic tale of mistaken identity and magical mischief, all set in…the 1960s? Last week, Atholton High School presented a whole new take on William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

As one of the most widely produced plays in Shakespeare’s oeuvre, Midsummer has undergone myriad on-stage interpretations in the four centuries since it was written. Atholton, under the direction of Nathan Rosen, set the comedy in two different worlds: the starched, sane universe of the early, Mad Men sixties and the colorful late sixties, a land of swirling tie-dye, peace signs, and “Imagine Me And You.”


The lead actors, especially Cecilia Grady as the sweet, girlish Hermia, showed a strong grasp of the Shakespearean text and an ability to draw archaic language into a clearer, more modern context; the impish fairies of the ensemble showed consistent pep throughout the show. Though there were some sound issues, the energy never waned.


But perhaps the standout of the entire production was its play-within-a-play, Pyramus and Thisbe. Led by Jeremy Goldman’s Nick Bottom, six bumbling workers put on a hysterical spectacle featuring a talking wall, a drag appearance, and a ten-minute death scene that would make William Shatner proud.


To take a four-hundred-year-old script and make it lively and engaging is not an easy job, particularly for a high school theatre company. However, Atholton gave their all, bringing the charm and wit of Midsummer to life once more.

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Permalink Reply by Hannah Lew on November 14, 2009 at 1:39pm

Altholton High School’s production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream was the perfect show “to think about the girl you love and hold her tight.”
This ‘60s take on a Shakespearian comedy was nothing short of fantastic and a joy to watch.
The classic tale of forbidden love is tied together with a story of unrequited love. Intwined between the love stories of Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius and Helena, is the magic of fairies and the humorous tale of six aspiring actors. Everything seems to be going well until a conniving fairy manages to turn the entire story into a muck.
This classic is modernized in a way that appeals to those who aren’t usually interested in Shakespeare, while still managing to maintain it’s original glory. The already brilliant basis of this romantic comedy was further enhanced by innovative blocking. Adapting this comedy to it’s 1960’s setting was a brilliant way of conveying the young couples’ desires to rebel and express themselves freely. Adding a live band into the show was pure brilliance that gave this production a competitive edge and an appeal to those who wouldn’t normally go out to see Shakespeare on their friday night.
In addition to the beautiful production, the casting of the leads practically oozed chemistry. Helena, played by Erin Patterson, delivered her lines in a manor with both the rhythm of any modern, love-struck teen and the eloquence of Shakespeare. When combined with the adorable, somewhat dorky cast of players, played by Brad Plaxen, Jeremy Goldman, Jack Angelo, Sam Kobren, Scott Jones and Ricky Lasser, created a cast that would be envied by any self-respecting production company.
The term “supporting actors” is a vast understatement when it comes to this production, if it had not been for this group of expressive actors the play just might have crashed and burned. The pantomiming of shadows Jake McMichael and Spencer Franco, added an air of comic relief to the beautiful recitations of the lines of Puck, played by Chikodili Agwuna. When the ensemble was thrown into this talented mixture of actors in made this show an even more magical experience.
Despite minor lunar mishaps, the set and costume production was flawless. An innovative set brought creativity into the blocking of many of the scenes. The beautiful background enhanced the romantic imagery. Costume designer Maureen Monk added clever costuming that progressed along with the plot, and character development. When the sets and costume came together they added a subtle beauty to the show.
It was such a shame to see the final curtain draw, letting the audience know that their delightful evening would have to come to an end. With out any debate, leaving the theater was by far the most disappointing part of the A Midsummer Night’s Dream experience. And to the cast and crew of Atholton High School’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, congratulations on a brilliant production.

Attachments:

• Midsummer Reviews - Howard High School.doc, 70 KB

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Permalink Reply by Ryann Lillis on November 15, 2009 at 8:13am

Who knew that Shakespeare could be just as effective in the 1960’s? Altholton High School accomplishes just that in their upbeat and fun production of William Shakespeare’s classic “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
The young lovers Lysander and Hermia wish to be married, but Hermia’s father wants her to marry Demetrius, who loves her as well. To escape and be together Hermia and Lysander flee into a nearby forest. Hermia’s friend Helena aids Demetrius, who she is passionately in love with, in searching for the two lovers. Little do these characters know that they are accompanied by the fairy king and queen, Puck, and six comic tradesmen rehearsing for their play. When Puck accidently gives the love potion to the wrong lover’s eyes the couples become mixed up causing chaos, confusion, and a lot of laughs.
The material was skillfully delivered and clearly conveyed. The 60’s theme worked nicely for this production. Overall comic timing and use of stage and space was clever and proficient.
As Helena, Erin Nicole Patterson had excellent character development. Bottom, played by Jeremy Goldman, constantly commanded the stage and had the audience laughing at everything he did. As Demetrius, Senior Brian Yawney always had clear intent and completely embodied his character.
Without a doubt the crowd pleasers were supporting actors Brad Plaxen, Jeremy Goldman, Jack Angelo, Sam Kobren, Scott Jones, and Ricky Lasser. All made cunning physical choices, had superb comic timing, and continually played off of each other on stage. Starveling played by Ricky Lasser had priceless expressions and Scott Jones was the most endearing cuddly lion.
Certain technically aspects of the production were well thought out. The use of a spotlight when a character is giving a soliloquy is extremely effective. The addition of more colors to characters costumes as they become more intertwined with magic was a creative concept.
As a whole all Performers had clear intentions and emotions, portrayed by persistent expressions, body language, and choices in delivery. Perhaps what you see is just a dream, but it’s bound to be one you’ll never forget.

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Permalink Reply by Lara Celtnieks on November 16, 2009 at 4:47pm

William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is perhaps the original romantic comedy. Written in 1590, it’s surprising that a story nearly 420 years old is still so entertaining today. Set in the 1960’s, Atholton High School’s performance of the classic tale was energetic, fun, and hilarious.
Hermia, daughter of Egeus, is in love with Lysander but her father wants her to marry Demetrius. Helena, Hermia’s best friend, is in love with Demetrius, too bad he loves Hermia. Erin Patterson, playing Helena, brought a witty and relatable character to the stage. Chikodili Agwuna, as Puck, shone in the lead role, bringing Shakespeare’s words to life with her spunky attitude, and mischievous deeds.
Like many of Shakespeare’s plays, there is something for everyone to enjoy. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a show within a show; a group of workmen are rehearsing a performance for the duke’s wedding. Among these workmen was the hilarious Jeremy Goldman, as Bottom.


The set, from the court, to the forest and back, was stunning. The use of height and the multiple fairy hideaways made the forest even more life like. The lighting, from a simple spotlight to a red-pink sunrise scene, was wonderfully designed, and enriched the performance cleverly.
Atholton’s show was a new twist on an already twisty tale, with action, humor, and a happy ending. They truly did give everyone a performance to remember.

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Permalink Reply by Erin Rusonis on November 16, 2009 at 6:10pm

Erin Rusonis
Review: A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
An unexpected mood fills the auditorium, as the show is about to begin. Along with the feeling of excitement, there is also the added curiosity as the actors take their places. This is not a traditional scene as the colors are mundane, only featuring black and white. However, as the show progresses so do the costumes, as life is brought to the stage.
In Atholton High School’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, the director took several liberties to bring Shakespeare’s work to a relatable level. The show had a new twist; it was set in the early 1960’s. From the costumes, to the music in the finale, the director successfully played off this idea of an old classic.
The comedy tells of a father’s wishes for his daughter, Hermia to marry Demetrius, however Hermia wants to marry her true love Lysander. Hermia and Lysander flee into the woods so they can run away and get married. They are followed by Demetrius, who is in turn followed by Helena, who loves Demetrius. With some help from some fairy friends, the two couples become switched, each founding the opposite partner. Meanwhile, the queen of the fairies, Titania, is enchanted to fall in love with Bottom, who now has the head of a donkey. The tale had many ups and downs with funny moments in between, which captivated the audience’s attention and kept them on the edge of their seats.
The energy and strength of the entire cast remained consistent throughout the show. From the fairies, to the workmen producing a play, the jokes were spot on. The workmen operated as a cohesive group, and each character had their own funny moments. The physical mannerisms of the lion played by Scott Jones, emphasized his passive personality, and allowed for growth. In act two, his performance surprised the audience with his lion “RAWR” that was up to par with the rest of his silent actions. Aside the lion, it was Bottom played by Jeremy Goldman who led the troop of workmen.
Bottom made his entrance with such charisma, that he was impossible to forget throughout the production. His energy added to the growth of the show as the other characters continued to flourish. Even when Bottom had the head of a donkey, he successfully demanded the audience’s attention through his dynamic voice and body language. When Bottom was on stage there was never a dull moment.
Taking a step back from the acting, the technical aspect of the show was just as impressive. The incorporation of the light established the time of night and helped to maintain the show’s fast tempo. The moon moving through the trees was a creative way to add dynamics to the story, highlighting the impressive set pieces. The floor to ceiling trees added depth to the stage and allowed for the characters to peek through the trees. The incorporation of multiple characters allowed for the story to come full circle, as there were humorous moments to be noticed.
The costume choices were the key to setting the play in a different time era. Tie-dye tops and shredded jeans helped to identify the magical characters, while staying true to the style of the 1960’s. Queen Titania played by Chelsea Miller, stood out in her glittering purple leotard and long white tutu. This costume choice was perfect as it married with her flowing and flirtatious character. Lastly, the donkey headpiece for Bottom was impressive as he could move its mouth by use of a metal rod. The glittering fairies and the 60’s clothing created the whimsical feeling in the forest and defined the characters personalities.
All in all, the show was a huge success. From the technical side to the acting on stage, A Midsummer Night’s Dream won over another audience yet again. The cast of this production took the audience into a fairytale world, and kept us laughing along the way. For this, I commend each and every one of you.

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Permalink Reply by Colleen McKnight on November 16, 2009 at 9:17pm

What is a midsummer night’s dream? A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of the great comedy plays by William Shakespeare that was performed on the Atholton High School stage. The showing of the play takes place in the 1960’s during a time of turmoil and change. This new interpretation sheds a light on such a classic play which adds a new excitement and modern take widely accepted by cast and audience members alike.

The play revolves around the adventures of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors, and their interactions with the fairies who live in a moonlit forest. The plot is an intricate story featuring Hermia and Lysander, and Helena and Demetrius. Their romantic schemes are further confused and complicated by entering the forest where Oberon, the King of the Fairies and his Queen, Titania, live.

With a complicated plot and the intricate language of William Shakespeare, it is very easy to get lost with what is happening on stage. However, in this show the main element that anchored the performance was the actors’ ability to deliver their lines in a very communicative way to understand. The modern mannerisms used were an effective way to convey the meaning of the old language.

The leads in this show were very rightfully casted, showing true passion and eagerness to rightfully portray their characters. Helena, played by Erin Patterson, began the show by intensely delivering a monologue without ever skipping a beat. Also Bottom, played by Jeremy Goldman, showed sincere characterization and commitment to the funny and eccentric nature that is Bottom. Even the love triangle between Lysander, played by Jonathan Osheroff, Hermia, played by Cecilia Grady, and Demetrius, played by Brian Yawney was strongly developed and revealed throughout the performance.

The cast ensemble remained effective throughout the performance, providing comic relief following the disputes between the leads. The powerful and expressive characters each actor portrayed created a passionate environment among the company on stage. The show began with a regular black curtain serving as the background, which truly allowed the ability of the actors to strongly captivate the audience’s attention. As the plot moved along, a dramatic change occurred in terms of scenery. Quickly the simplicity of the Royals’ home turned into the extravagant wood, home to the band of fairies. The bright, luminescent wood, created by Chelsea Meissner and Steven Lim, was truly enchanting throughout the remainder of the show. And finally, the costumes, designed by Maureen Monk, genuinely seemed to have been reminiscent of the 1960’s era while still remaining ethereal and magical true the fairies’ characters.

“Out of this wood do not desire to go.” (Act III, scene i.) This quote from the play accurately depicts the feelings of the audience members after Atholton High School’s performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The experience is so enjoyable and exciting to watch one is left wishing to not see it end.

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Permalink Reply by Rebecca Martinez-Greiwe on November 18, 2009 at 7:35pm

You may know the infamous play about fairies, lovebirds, love triangles, potion mix-ups, the play within a play, the madness that is Shakespeare’s, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. You have not fully experienced comedy at its finest until you have seen Atholton High School’s masterful rendition of this timeless classic.
Using projection and clear diction to get across all of the lines to the audience, the cast uses their expressiveness to their advantage. Bottom, a weaver, played by Jeremy Goldman, especially uses his body to his advantage as he trots about the stage with the head of a donkey, which does not look as easy as it may sound. Even with one hand occupied the entire time, Goldman makes his motives known and clearly expresses emotion using his hands and body. By Goldman’s side is the lovely Titania, Queen of the fairies, played by Chelsea Miller, who commands attention on stage using a wide variety of gestures and changes in tone. Miller has no trouble projecting her lines comically.
It seems necessary to emphasize the potency of the “play within a play” ensemble. Quince (Brad Plaxen), Bottom (Jeremy Goldman), Flute (Jack Angelo), Snout (Sam Kobren), Snug (Scott Jones), Starveling (Rickey Lasser) are a match made in comedy heaven. They feed off of one another beautifully and brought a modern twist to the lines that they were given.
Technical elements also played a large role in the success of this show. The lights are angled engagingly on the right parts of the stage. The pinks and purples assist the actors and help the audience find a focus point on the busy stage.
Yes, Atholton chose a classic but everything about their performance is unique and exciting. There is never any misunderstanding what is happening on that stage. Two thumbs up for Atholton High School’s rendition of Shakespeare’s, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

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