The Independent
SUU’s Department of Theatre Arts & Dance puts a unique spin on William Shakespeare’s classic magical comedy by setting the Bard’s masterpiece “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in pioneer Utah. This fantastical production opens the 2014-15 Theatre Arts & Dance Season and will be performed Oct. 2, 3, 4, 6, and 10 in the Adams Shakespearean Theatre on the SUU campus in Cedar City. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. for all performances.
The fairy-filled wilderness of Utah is the central setting for much of this beloved comedy, which draws four lovers and a group of amateur theatricals together in one wildly mystical evening. However, a magical flower in the hands of the fairy, Puck, sets in motion a calamitous series of situations, and the comedic plot thickens for the feuding fairies, mismatched lovers, and confused theatricals.
The cast features Amber James (Hermia), Halie Merrill (Helena), Trevor Messenger (Lysander), and Nik Mikkelsen (Demetrius) as the lovers, while Lizzy Anderson (Philostrate), Jordyn Cardwell (Hippolyta), Michael Demasi (Theseus), and Andrew Morrison (Egeus) make up the rest of the Athenian court. The talent-challenged theatricals are played by Jesse Atkinson (Robin Starveling), Kade Cox (Tom Snout), Alex Greig (Peter Quince), Justin Stockett (Snug), Alec TerBerg (Nick Bottom), and Robby Wilson (Francis Flute). Heading up the mystical fairies are Sceri Ivers (Puck), Luke Johnson (Oberon), and Selena Price (Titania), with Abigail Larsen (Cobweb), Jess Phillips (Moth), Carly Skankey (Fairy), Natalie Solomon (Peaseblossom), and Jane Wright (Mustardseed).
“I want to use ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ to tell a Southwestern fairy tale. I think we can blend the pioneer history and heritage of the local community, Native American mythology, and Shakespeare’s classic text,” said Nathan Smith, an SUU theatre major and the show’s director.
Collaborating with Smith on developing his vision are set designer Brian Jude Beacom, costume designer Erika Anderson, lighting designer J.D. Sargeant and sound designer Ryan Turpin. Katie Cable Hyer will serve as stage manager, with assistance from Hannah Fontes and Kristine Norby. Beth Snarr is the show’s choreographer.
Laugh at the foibles of fairies and lovers with this unique adaptation of a timeless comedy.
