Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festivals outdoor production of "A Midsummer Nights Dream" is one of the most delightful evenings of theater that I have experienced in quite some time, and the first time in recent memory that a production of Shakespeares beloved comedy made me laugh out loud. The talented cast, bucolic setting and crisp direction make for a most memorable show.
The alfresco setting is perfect for this playful and energetic story filled with fairies, lovers and magic.
From the moment the cast marches in from the left beating drums and dancing, the audience knows they were in for a treat.
As the mischievous Puck, Mary Tuomanen conveys a sly humor as she sings a brief introduction, accompanying herself on guitar; before being joined by the rest of the cast.
Setting the plot in motion is Egeus, played forcefully by Bi Jean Ngo, who demands her daughter Hermia be forced to marry Demetrius or die.
Hermia, played with passionate resolve by Kathryn Tkel, stands her ground and insists she loves only Lysander, played by the charming Luigi Sottile. The couple are adorable as they plan to run away together.
Lindsay Smiling is an exasperated Theseus the Duke of Athens, who clearly is not thrilled with the demands of Egeus, while Eleanor Handley as Theseus betrothed Hippolyta, icily expresses her disapproval.
Akeem Davis Demetrius gives off a coolly entitled air and Hermias hand seems more a prize than true love. While Brett Ashley Robinson as the cast-aside Helena, who loves Demetrius, oozes frustration and confusion.
Smiling also plays Oberon the king of the fairies, but in that role comes across as more imperious and devilish, while Handleys Titania is disdainful and aligns more with her Hippolyta.
Ian Merrill Peakes is hilarious as the self-important Nick Bottom, playing him as a bit of a redneck. The scenes with the "rude mechanicals" who are rehearsing the tragic play of Pyramus and Thisbe for Theseus and Hippolytas wedding, are a highlight of the show. Peakes Bottom is joined by Ngo as the cautious Qunice who is leading the band of would-be actors, as well as members of the festivals Young Company who more than hold their own as the other laborers. Eli Lynn is inspired as the uptight Flute who must play the female role of Thisbe in the play within a play against Peakes as Bottom playing Pyramus. Lets just say Pyramus and Thisbes death scenes need to be seen to be believed.
Also good is Zoe Fox as the backward Snout who plays the wall; Ryan Reyes as the shy Snug who plays the lion and Gabe Moses as the terrified Starveling who plays the moonshine.
The music by Alex Bechtel is appealing and provides a lot of atmosphere. Kudos to musician Justin Yoder who plays cello and keyboard.
Director Matt Pfeiffer has added many fun details that really enhance the show. He also trimmed the show so that it could be performed without an intermission and take advantage of the natural light outdoors. Since "A Midsummer Nights Dream" is already one of the shortest of Shakespeares plays, this results in especially brisk pacing.
The fairy folks quirky costumes which combine fencing uniforms with tutus add another element of fun.
The show is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday through Aug. 1 on the Air Products Open Air Theatre.
Prologues, offering insights into the play, are held 45 minutes prior to curtain for every performance.