Brentwood Home Page news reports Ravenwood High School Theater Department presents A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare, October 8-10 at 7:00 p.m. and October 11 at 2 p.m. This magical comedy follows the story of two young couples as they enter a magical forest and encounter the world of the fairies.
RHS is putting a new twist on the well-known Shakespearean play. Director Kari Smith's favorite drama class in college was Producing Shakespeare Onstage and because of that class, her Drama I class studies A Midsummer's Nights Dream each year. "Because Shakespeare’s works were constantly changing as he wrote and revised his plays, and because he gave us very little in terms of stage directions and settings for the scenes, it has been a modern tradition for directors to put their own directorial slant on their productions," said Smith.
The cast of 32 and crew of 30 has been studying the play in terms of theme, visual imagery, characterization, and physical humor. This production is inspired by ancient Rome and the Italian Renaissance, but the costumes and set are presented with a modern twist. Smith chose to base their characters and costumes off of Commedia Del’ Arte, which is a form of improvisational acting during the Italian Renaissance famous for the long-nosed masks and brightly colored costumes. The costumes also have a modern twist with hints of metallic, trim and modern design.
"The students are very professional, and they love working on Shakespeare and learning about our production concept," said Smith. "They all take direction so well too. We have had a great time working on this show in all aspects."
With real working jungle gyms on stage for the world of the fairies, and an emphasis on the themes of magic, love, and flowers, A Midsummer Night's Dream is sure to be unlike any other Shakespearean production you have seen.
"We had a great dress rehearsal last night, and the students and I are very excited to have that crowd out there tonight," said Smith.
Tickets for this production are $8 at the door of the Ravenwood Performing Arts Center.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Cast Titania—Nikki Kapu Oberon—Lee Daniel Puck—Sarah Clagett Hermia—Katie Callaway Lysander—Wilson Conkwright Helena—Natalie Rankin Demetrius—Ben Bailey Bottom—Joey Davis Peter Quince—Bob Boyd Flute/Thisbe—Jack Keiser Snug/Lion—Nick Spencer Snout/Wall—Maddie Mucci Starveling/Moonshine— Christian Randell Benedict/Prologue— Dalton Hughes Theseus—Brad Lambert Hippolyta—Savannah Marquardt Egeus—Dan Hood
Philostrate— Wil Edmondson First Fairy—Lizzy Neiman Peaseblossom—Morgan Mullen (swing) Cobweb—Deya Maldas (swing) Moth—Celina Stewart (swing) Mustardseed—Helen Wu (swing) Fairies (swings)—Beth Heggan, Madelyn Hopfesnperger, Meagan McDowell, Nikki Ross, Analeigh Horton Royals, servants, actors, wedding attendants (swings)—Clay Jeffries, Robert Duncan, Eli Marino
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