A Must-See Early Summer Production: A Midsummer Night’s Dream this weekend

While Shakespeare at times can be challenging to understand, this summer’s Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts (WCPA) production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is accessible and fun, worthy of a full family outing.

As last Thursday’s midafternoon rain continued into the one and only scheduled dress rehearsal, the cast, and crew responded with a poised and well-executed final rehearsal inside the Historic Jones Theatre rather than behind All Aboard Westcliffe Depot.

The unpredictable weather also relocated the opening show on June 13 to the Historic Jones Theatre, yet the show went on without a hitch, and more times than once, the audience responded with laughter.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream tells the tale of four Athenian lovers, Hermia, Demetrius, Lysander, and Helena, played by WCPA summer interns Cipa Frost, Josh White, Blake Narcisian, and Madeline Ballard, who voyage into a magical forest where dream-like love spells and chaos tangle and complicate their relationships. Simultaneously, a group of Athenian tradesmen, led by Peter Quince, played by Lisa Walling, rehearse to perform a play for the upcoming wedding of Theseus, played by Elliot Jackson, and Hippolyta, played by Shana Abé. Meanwhile, Oberon’s quick-witted sprite, Puck, played by Cheryl Pinnella, causes mischief, and Oberon, played by Jackson, and Titania, played by Abè, feud, which causes chaos in the natural world.

With more than two dozen cast and crew members of all ages, A Midsummer Night’s Dream uses dream-like imagery and magical elements to explore the complicated nature of love and illusion. Whether you’re a Shakespeare lover or not, this year’s production includes impressive talent with challenging Shakespearean language mixed with an original musical score designed by Narcisian, choreography by Cassie Schwartz, and directing by lead cast member, Jackson – each memorable for their effects.

Comedy oozes effortlessly from the entire cast and production design, with wittily placed excerpts from songs such as Gary Wright’s “Dreamweaver” and a cover of Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith’s “Because the Night” to a Darth Vadar-like voiceover for Puck. The sound design, costumes, makeup, and movement keep the audience engaged throughout.

Belly laughs arise with unexpected and swaggy sunglass-adorned group entrances and dance breaks, as well as clever depictions of males dueling with finger fighting and rock, paper, scissors between Lysander and Demetrius, played by White and Narcisian. And just as quickly, hearts swell with the poised lullaby performance by one of Titiania’s fairies and the careful interactions of young actors.

More to praise: Playing one of Oberon’s fairies, Ballard, wears circular silver-rimmed sunglasses while “smoking” a cigar, and the infectious and flamboyant Bottom the Weaver, played by Amber Woolsey, seamlessly covers the

entire stage with one movement or phrase.

Every character’s bodily movement, while on stage or through their entrances and exits down the center and side isles, added comedic flair which was not only uniquely attributable but also funny – such as Puck’s twisting and mischievous stances or Jackson’s articulate and theatrical hand gestures while playing Theseus and Oberon.

While modernized, the poignant Shakespearean deliverance of the script, along with the gall of human scheming present throughout, made for the most enjoyable and impressive two-hour production.

Rehearsals as one collective cast began only one short month ago, with ten to 12 hours of rehearsals a week for some cast members. Performers and crew members alike are prepared to bring A Midsummer Night’s Dream to life either outside behind the All Aboard Westcliffe Depot or inside the Historic Jones Theatre – a dedication and preparation clearly evident.

Through rain or shine, the Valley community can be sure to receive a seamless and engaging production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream during an early summer evening production. If you missed this past weekend’s shows, be sure to go on Friday or Saturday, June 20 and 21 at 5:30 p.m., as well as Sunday afternoon, June 22, at 2 p.m. outside the All Aboard Westcliffe Depot or inside the Jones Theatre if weather insists.

– Brett LeVan