Midsummer Night’s Dream at Rosebud
Laureen F. Guenther
Times Contributor
Midsummer Night’s Dream, presented by Rosebud School of the Arts, opened on the BMO Studio Stage April 11 and runs until May 2.
Two pairs of lovers begin the story in a conflict that seems thoroughly modern: Lady A and Man A want to marry each other, but Lady A’s father wants her to marry Man B. Lady B loves Man B, but he loves Lady A. With help – and interference – from the local fairies, who fall into their own misadventures in love along the way, the two young couples get their love and their lovers sorted out. And, of course, everyone lives happily ever after.
I confess I sometimes find Shakespeare’s comedies are equal parts laugh-out-loud and follow-closely-to-understand-old-English. But this version, adapted by David Snider and Kelsey Krogman, and directed by Snider, is just laugh-out-loud all the way through.
Rosebud School of the Arts’ (RSA’s) second-year students — Kelti Berry, Emily Boyle, Justin Lanouette, Chantal Marsolais, Jesse Peachment, Jillian Schock and Anna Schroeder – serve as both cast and crew of the show, fulfilling the requirements of a course in Theatre Production and Performance. The cast is rounded out by several experienced Rosebud actors, and the professionals who create set, lights, props and wardrobe for Rosebud Theatre support and advise the students’ production work. Each performer is well-cast, and Schock particularly stands out in the key role of the mischievous Puck.
Watching RSA student productions gives me the delight of seeing students grow in confidence and skill, and of observing that they’re taught well. For most of these students, Midsummer Night’s Dream is only their second Rosebud performance, but this doesn’t feel like an amateur production. Beginning with the musical prelude from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, through the costumes, set, choreography, props, Barry’s original fairy music, and the closing nonsensical play-within-a-play, it is a quality show.
Children and adults who are avid Shakespeare fans – and those who think they aren’t – will enjoy Midsummer Night’s Dream. You can see it on Rosebud’s BMO Studio Stage at 4:30 p.m., most Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays until May 2.