A Midsummer Night’s Dream, by William Shakespeare

Directed by Erin Woods

June 13 - 30, 2024, Shakespeare Gardens Outdoor Amphitheatre

ONLINE PROGRAM | PRESS RELEASE

Run Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

Duke Theseus and Queen Hippolyta prepare for their royal wedding, interrupted by Egeus, who plans to marry his daughter Hermia, to a man she doesn't love, named Demetrius. Lysander, the true object of her affection, challenges the arranged marriage, and plans to steal away with Hermia into the forest of Athens that very night. Helena, in love with Demetrius, hears of this plan, tells Demetrius, and both chase after Lysander and Hermia into the woods.

In the forest, the Queen and King of Fairyland, Titania and Oberon, continue their quarrel over the possession of a certain foundling child, causing disturbances in the forces of nature. Oberon and his trusty right-hand, Puck, plan a devious device to win the argument and re-balance nature, even at the cost of some unruly mischief.

Meanwhile, a group of local tradespeople enter a play competition to celebrate the royal wedding. Their troupe includes Bottom, a good hearted but slightly self-absorbed "actor" who wishes to play all the parts. The rehearsals take place in the forest, and are overheard by Puck, who decides to turn Bottom into a donkey, and make Titania fall in love with him. The ruse works, and soon the lovers, the donkey, and the Queen of the Fairies are all chasing after love deep in the mystical forest of Athens.

In the end, all is set right, the lovers find their correct mates, nature's balance is restored, Bottom is returned to his natural state, and the play is performed before all the couples, newly married, and ready to celebrate their good fortune.

Perhaps Shakespeare's most famous comedy, and one that has delighted audiences for over 400 years, this tale of magical mischief under the stars is certain to delight and amuse the entire family.

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