How great is it to be able to sound smart and say you spent the night attending a Shakespeare play, when in reality you heard great disco music and laughed your head off all evening?? That is the case if you head to South City Theatre’s latest production, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.
I’ll be the first to admit that the show gets a little bit silly, but that is Shakespeare’s fault. Containing a play within a play, this Shakespeare work was critiqued as ridiculous and a fantasy back in his day. I can’t disagree, but in this day and age we need a little fantasy. And for those of you who are scared to see a Shakespeare play, this is the perfect way to ease into it. I promise that you will understand it all AND that you will laugh- a lot.
Directed by Lisa Ponder, the show is imaginative and fun. There is really no set and the backdrop is plain black, yet the show is very visual due to the numerous characters, the good blocking, the disco lights and the bright 70’s costumes.
Greeted at the door by the “bouncer” Mr. Jinxx, played by A. J. Nichols, who stamps your hand as if you are going into a real nightclub, you then enter a dark room where disco lights and music set the tone. Asked several times to dance by different cast members, I decided my disco moves should remain in the 70’s, but other audience members enjoyed some time on the dance floor.
Many times I found myself not watching the main action in order to watch peripheral characters and their antics. But with such a light, well known story, that was not a problem- it only added to the entertainment.
And the music! Having been a late teen/ young adult during the 70’s, the music for this show brought back great memories and made me want to sing along. What blew me away though were the two singers who did live versions of some of those hits. Maddie Harper as Moth and Marissa Blount as Titania both sing these disco standards in a way that evokes memories, but made them sound current and unique.
With a cast ranging from the more mature adults to the youngest person I think I’ve ever seen in a live production, there was no weak link in this cast. Robin Rushing as Snug/Lion is hilarious as the “old” actor who moves slowly and has to build up to take the one step up to the stage area. I kept finding myself leaning over to watch her enter instead of watching the action on stage.
Ashley Pope as Cobweb is another one to watch. Her bored and irritated reaction to everything going on around her kept me entertained and laughing. Ryan Gerrells as Flute/Thisby is funny in his own dry and quiet way. When he comes out the first time as Thisby you just have to laugh (and applaud.)
As always, Todd Ponder, as Oberon, puts on a solid performance. Other regulars like Steven Ross, Sharon Morgan, and Donna Williamson cover the stage area with laughs and experience.
New to me was Amy Strickland as Puck. She was born to play this part with her clear voice, elf like qualities and mischievous grin. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment she was on stage.
Benjamin Kitchens, Anna Whitlock, Alex Arnold, and Julia Spring as the star crossed lovers all put in solid performances. Really I could name each character in the huge cast of 23, as everyone contributed to make the night a success.
With glow sticks to wave and nerf balls to throw at the actors, prompts to yell at the performers and some audience members actually participating in the show, the whole event was more than just a night at the theatre.
South City Theatre’s production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is silly and campy, but a great escape. It gives you the opportunity to dance, laugh out loud, and forget your humdrum life for a couple of hours. As usual with SCT these days, some shows are sold out already so go to www.southcitytheatre.com or call 205-621-2128 as soon as you can to get reservations. Then get out your bell bottoms and get ready to have a blast!
