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THEATER REVIEW: A Midsummer Night's Dream |
Tony Fair | 7/11/08
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The very different venue is a credit to Square Top Rep’s vision and creativity. This fearless group has converted the South Conference Room at the Community Center into an acceptable eighty-seat performance space. They perform “in the round” with excellent sightlines assisted by second-row risers, good acoustics and a padded chair for each attendee. The convenient evening parking, comfortable foyer, air handling system and nice restrooms round out a very acceptable performance space for attendees. This venue surely tested Square Top Rep’s technical talent and they passed the test with flying colors and actors.
 I am not a total Shakespeare addict nor do I make a special effort to experience all thirty-seven plays that constitute the accepted canon of work by this venerable English playwright. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, written in 1595, is based on Dr. Thomas Moffett’s book Of the Silkwormes and their Flies. The work represents the playwright’s more lighthearted period both in crafting work for the stage and in her personal life.
[Editor's Note: The editor mistakenly edited the word "her" in reference to William Shakespeare, changing it to "his." That mistake has been corrected, as per John Porter's note to the editor.]
Square Top Rep’s innovative interpretation of this classic story is vintage 2008. Director Charlie Pepiton and the talented cast have created a fresh and intriguing approach that will entertain both the Shakespeare buff, who will find Puck’s role particularly intriguing, and those of us simply seeking to be entertained. Those not familiar with the story should plan to arrive three minutes earlier and read the Play Summary in the program to maximize enjoyment. The play, and Square Top Rep, is family friendly. There is special family pricing for matinees. During intermission, I overheard a delightful eleven year-old young lady explaining to her grandfather that there was a play within the play being presented. I am not sure grandfather was totally up to speed, but he had a beaming smile as he listened to his progeny and I stopped eavesdropping. The running time of one hour and forty-five minutes, including the fifteen minute intermission, was as advertised — a tip of my bonnet to Square Top Rep on this point.
This old biddy was quite impressed by Erica Curnutte in the role of Puck. I am pleased she chose to perform in our fair village this summer. You are going to enjoy this lady.
Andrew Evans who plays the roles of Lysander and Nick Bottom was equally impressive. Andrew’s work with Chicago’s legendary The Second City is quite evident in his movement and ability to quickly change characters. He is an absolute treat.
Chris Budreau, Nick Hoenshell, Summer Gibson, Rachel Morgan, and Jessi Hampton round out the talented cast of seven that have the challenge of portraying the play’s nineteen characters. This ensemble brings abundant energy and enthusiasm to their task. This reviewer’s most demanding expectation of a professional theater group is they not have a distracting disparity in talent through their company. Square Top Rep met this challenge on opening night.
I highly recommend this show for the following types of individuals; those that like to be entertained, those that enjoy theater, those who are fans of the Sweet Swan of Avon and those interested in supporting the development of professional theater in our community.
Tickets for A Midsummer Night’s Dream performances on July 11, 12, 24, 26 & Aug 2 at 7PM with a 2PM matinee on July 19 are available online, by calling 264-0264 or stopping by Moonlight Books in our historic downtown.
Note from Tony: Square Top Rep’s Resident Playwright Shane Fuller and this year’s company have adapted Miquel de Cervantes’ book Don Quixote for stage with opening night on July 17th. Tickets and schedule available at the sources listed for this original and intriguing production with Chris Budreau in the title role. As a revolving Rep company the same seven actors are preparing and then presenting more than one production at a time. It is a challenge for the company while a boon to attendees, from near and far, who have an additional show to enjoy during the season or a weekend visit. |
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