A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM


Summer has come to L.A., and with it the annual return to Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Shakespearean classic once again delighting audiences of all ages, whether they are experiencing its magic for the first time or returning for another summer afternoon or evening of enchantment.

 Topanga hills provide a forested backdrop to Shakespeare’s classic tale of imperious royals, zany strolling players, and star-crossed lovers Lysander (Kelvin Morales) and Hermia (Sophia Dawson), in a tizzy over her impending forced marriage to Demetrius (David Benne), whose ex Helena (Isabel Stallings) still carries a torch.

And so the mismatched foursome head off into the woods, where mischievous sprite Puck (Christopher Glenn Gilstrap) sets in motion a series of actions that soon have Helena dealing with a pair of lovestruck suitors, poor Hermia finding herself with none, strolling player Bottom (Alan Blumenfeld) sporting a donkey’s head, and Queen Titania (Aubrey Saverino) falling madly in love with an ass.

 Before long, Hermia and Helena have their claws out, Demetrius and Lysander are exchanging blows, and Bottom’s fellow actors are donning costumes to stage The Most Lamentable Comedy, And Most Cruel Death Of Pyramus And Thisbe.

If there’s a reason why A Midsummer Night’s Dream tops the list of Most-Produced Shakespeare Comedies, it’s probably because complicated as the above synopsis may seem to those familiar only with contemporary fare, it’s easily the easiest Shakespearen romp to follow, making it the ideal introduction to the Bard for children and adults alike.

 Stage combat may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about A Midsummer Night’s Dream, but director Willow Geer and fight choreographer Cavin (CR) Mohrhardt start things off with swashbuckling pizzazz as soldiers and Amazons duke it even before we meet Duke Theseus (Jonathan Blandino) as he prepares for his marriage to Amazonian Queen Hippolyta (Sydney A. Mason).

And this isn’t the only physicality director Geer brings to the production.

Cast standout Gilstrap’s irrepressible Puck reveals impressive athleticism throughout the show while romantic leads Benne, Dawson, Morales, and Stallings execute physical comedy bits to do Jim Carrey or Laverne & Shirley proud.

Saverino is the most regal and gorgeous of Titanias opposite Lawrence’s masterfully majestic Oberon, Blandino and Mason do commanding work as Thesius and Hippolyta, and Sam Cowen and Robert Soloman have memorable cameos, the former as Hermia’s my-way-or-the-forest dad Egeus and the latter an eleventh-hour bonbon as Philostrate.

Further adding to the magic are fairies Cobweb (Abbs Stoiber), Moth (Kiley Fallon), Mustardseed (Amelia Whitney), and Peaseblossom (Sarah Hajmomenian), who express themselves not just in Shakespeare’s words but in chirps and coos like the otherworldly forest creatures they are.

And for even more comic relief, Blumenfeld’s Bottom couldn’t ask for a more hilarious group of fellow thespians than Hunter James’ Snout (a zany statuesque Wall in Pyramus And Thisbe), Kevin Rauch’s amusing Starveling, aka “Moonshine,” Shane McDermott’s Flute making for the loveliest of “ladies” as Thisbe, Cristan Sanchez’s Snug roaring up a storm as Lion, and Blumenfeld’s real-life leading lady Katherine James a simply adorable Quince.

Last but not least, a team of summerlong Theatricum Botanicum interns and assorted child actors (a special shout-out to Anay Deo’s Changling Child) fill in as Amazons, Lords, and Fairies. Oh, and there’s an adorable pooch to boot.

Tracy Wahl’s fantastical costumes, Shoshanna Green’s equally fanciful props, and Sky Wahl’s clever live percussion effects add to the magic, though afternoon audiences can only imagine what Hayden Kirschbaum’s lighting must look like after dark.

 Kim Cameron is stage manager and Amaya Watson is assistant stage manager. Cameron and Geer are sound designers. Beth Eslick is costume supervisor. Lucy Pollak is publicist.

 Whether this is your first time experiencing A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Theatrical Botanicum or you’re back to see again it with new cast members adding their own fresh touches, one thing is sure. You can expect to be transported into a world of magic and wonder under Topanga skies.

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga.
www.theatricum.com

–Steven Stanley
June 29, 2025
Photos: Ian Flanders

Visit www.theatreinla.com/nowplayingrs.php for a review roundup of what’s now playing in theaters around Los Angeles.

 

Tags: , ,

Comments are closed.