|
 Written
in the 1590’s, this hilarious play has been entertaining audiences
for well over 400 years with its story of mischievous fairies
interfering in the lives of humans and battling royalty and hijinks
in both human and fairy realms. LCT’s version gets an update to the
Roaring Twenties of the last century with flappers and thugs, mob
bosses and dolls, and an onstage jazz band. The sumptuous set places
the scenes in a Prohibition-era speakeasy called “The Woods” where
love potion-spiked cocktails wreak hilarious havoc on fairies and
humans alike. This glamorous production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream
is directed by LCT Board President Sheralyn Bolton.
After decades on stage, this production is Bolton’s directorial
debut. However, the idea for a Roaring 20’s jazz club Midsummer
Night's Dream has been percolating in her mind for many years.
Bolton says that she fell in love with this story and script in high
school and always felt it would lend itself to a Prohibition-era
retelling. She never dreamed that she would be the one to get to
bring that vision to life. Bolton says, “This project is a fantasy
come true for me.” She explains that “visually and musically, we
draw inspiration from the era’s jazz culture, with dynamic
performances, evocative lighting, and period-appropriate costumes
that amplify the play’s comedic elements.”
Bolton wants to assure audiences that this adaptation of A Midsummer
Night’s Dream is fun for all ages. Patrons do not need to love
Shakespeare or even understand Shakespearean English very well to
enjoy this production. There are enough antics, entanglements,
songs, and physical comedy, along with a beautifully designed set
and gorgeous costuming, for everyone to enjoy.
The talented cast includes Caitlin Lore as Robin
Goodfellow Puck, Derek Radmacher as Oberon the King, Tegan Follis as
Queen Titania, Lauren Peabody as Hermia, Zildjian Bolton as
Lysander, Grace Mathon as Helena, Hunter McKinney as Demetrius,
Derry Dalby as Duke Theseus, Candra Landers as Hippolyta, Paul
Crombie as Egeus, Emma Rodgers as Philostrate, Nathan Gaik as Nick
Bottom/Pyramus, Colleen Ayars as Peter Quince/Prologue, Zach Chapman
as Francis Flute/Thisbe, Andrew Kuhlman as Tom Snout/Wall, Casey
Lore as Snug/Lion, Mike Koke as Robin Starveling/Moonshine, Paige
Zemsky as Peaseblossom, Charlotte LaForge as Cobweb, Sadie (Sam)
Bolton as Moth, Lacy Buss as Mustardseed, Ben Crombie as the
Changeling Child, and Thugs Jamie “Nasty Nails Nelson” Voyles, Jeff
“The Fixer” Prince, Joshua “Switchblade” Schleich, and Colin “Quick
Fingers” Crombie.
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The Huntsmen jazz band features musicians Brian
“Squawks” Bolton on alto saxophone,
Calob “The Bones” Pluhm on trombone, Johnny “Fats” Stein on bass,
and “Sizzlin” Joe Kuhlman on drums.
The crew is staffed by volunteers including Board
Liaison: Melissa Cremeens, Set Design: Jeff Prince (Assistant: Devin
Vannoy), Music Composer: Brian Bolton, Artistic Design: Lisa
Kuhlman, Assistant Director/Stage Manager: Stephanie Zemsky,
Costumes: Lisa Kuhlman (Assistant: Cari Hieronymus), Props, Set
Dressing: Bev Noble, Sound: Devin Vannoy, Lighting Design: Dave Helm
(Assistant: Alaina Bauer), Fight Coordinator: Joshua Schleich,
Spotlights: Kambrea McCree, Izzy Lore, Jackson Mathon, Theophilus
Holman, Curtain: Ryne Manuel, and Runner: Stephanie Hall.
Performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream are July
25-27 at 7:30 p.m. and July 28 at 2:00 p.m. on the Dan “Mac”
McLaughlin Stage in the Lincoln Community High School auditorium.
All tickets are general admission and available at the door, $15 for
adults and $10 for students. The box office opens one hour before
show time and the theater doors open 30 minutes prior to the show.
Join LCT this weekend for this hilarious and beautifully staged
production presented by a passionate and talented local cast, crew,
and band!
[Stephanie Hall] |
