Flowers are beginning to bloom and love is in the air. The Indiana Repertory Theatre is closing its season with the classic comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Young lovers’ blossoming relationships run amiss when they cross paths with a forest full of fairies led by the warring King and Queen of the fairies, regally played by Ryan Artzberger and Jennifer Johansen respectively.
This production shows us the well-known story of A Midsummer Night’s Dream seen as a dream of a young boy. I must say that if it is all happening inside his head then he’s got a pretty advance view of romantic drama. It’s a unique twist on the play, and garnered easy laughs from the audience. The show embraces the silliness of the situation with physical comedy and features a Puck that is a bit more goofy than clever, but it works as seen through the eyes of a child.
Nick Bottom, played by Henry Woronicz, is the perfect fool. His inflated sense of his own talent makes his transformation into an ass (literally) an easy one. Woronicz is wonderful in the role, especially in the play-within-the-play, a staging of Pyramus and Thisbe’s romance for the Duke and his new wife. The goofy play entertains the audience with its cast’s hilarious lack of talent.
Using the original language, as any great Shakespearean production should, the show remains playful and fun. It’s a full-staging with elaborate fairy costumes (Nan Zabriskie) and fanciful stage design (done by Linda Buchanan), including a huge blooming flower chair for the fairy queen. Three of the confused, young romantics are making their IRT debut in this show. They all swoon with infatuation, trading one love interest for another with a little help from the fairies. Sarah Price as the neglected Helena was spot on and we will hopefully be seeing more of her in the future.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is the perfect way to close the season. It’s playful and fun, full of fairies, songs, and quick witty banter. It’s great for families, providing an accessible introduction to Shakespeare for kids or a farcical entertaining night out for adults.
Don't Miss the Show
The Indiana Repertory Theatre is located at 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, one-half block west of the Circle Center Mall between northbound Illinois St. and southbound Capitol Ave. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream" runs until Sunday, May 12 on IRT's Main Stage. Times for performances can be found at www.irtlive.com or by calling the IRT box office at (317) 635-5252. To purchase tickets call (317) 635-5252 or order online at www.irtlive.com
Photos Courtesy of Zach Rosing.
The Indiana Repertory Theatre is located at 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, one-half block west of the Circle Center Mall between northbound Illinois St. and southbound Capitol Ave. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream" runs until Sunday, May 12 on IRT's Main Stage. Times for performances can be found at www.irtlive.com or by calling the IRT box office at (317) 635-5252. To purchase tickets call (317) 635-5252 or order online at www.irtlive.com
Photos Courtesy of Zach Rosing.
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