Fairies, Gypsies Romp in Shakespearian Comedy
Magic, mayhem, love, laughs, fairies and gypsies. Alma College
Theatre ventures into the fantastical worlds and words of William
Shakespeare to bring all this and more in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
“This is such a well-written and fun play,” says faculty director Joe
Jezewski. “Everybody will have a great experience, whether they are
watching or performing.”
Alma College Theatre presents Shakespeare’s enchanting “A Midsummer
Night’s Dream” at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14th through Saturday, Feb.
16th and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17th in the Remick Heritage Center,
Strosacker Theatre.
Tickets are $10 for adults and free for Alma College staff, students
and youth 18 and under. Seating is reserved. For ticket
information, call (989) 463-7304.
One of Shakespeare’s most popular works, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is
a magical classic comedy that involves two pairs of lovers who, after
facing a romantic dilemma, flee into a magical forest only to become
the playthings of a group of fairies who are having their own romantic
challenges. There is a royal wedding with entertainment by an inept
troupe of would-be actors who also fall prey to the fairy antics while
rehearsing in the woods. Much confusion ensues with magic and mistaken
identities before the air is cleared and things wrap up with a
hilarious play within a play.
According to Jezewski, few cuts have been made from the Shakespearian
original. In fact, the only noticeable distinction from the text is
that the civilized, mortal world is set in a gypsy camp at the edge of
the forest, rather than in Athens. Initially “relocated” for practical
staging purposes, Jezewski and ensemble soon discovered and appreciated
the sensational sensory elements the gypsy lifestyle brought to the
production.
“The costumes are spectacular,” says Jezewski, praising costume
designer Tina Vivian. “There is a very exotic look to the gypsies that
gives a heightened sense of play and magic.”
The stage design aims to capture visually the magical qualities of the
play. A waterfall, vines, real fire and much more transform the stage
into two enchanting and certainly interesting worlds.
Associate Professor of Theatre and Dance Carol Fike has choreographed
and rehearsed six dances with the cast members. These dances are set to
distinct and diverse tunes to reflect worldly experiences and cultural
encounters that characterized the gypsy lifestyle.
“It was a conscious choice to pick music from different places, with
different ‘flavors,’” says Jezewski, noting that the styles range from
Spanish Flamenco, to Middle Eastern, to the other worldly Celtic sounds
of the “fairy music.”
Joining Jezewski is assistant director Ashley Swatzke and a 22-member
cast, including Remick Heritage Center Building Coordinator and
Technical Director Mike Sheldon.
Posted: Wed, February 6th, 2008 at 1:00PM
