The University Theatre opens its third mainstage show of the season this weekend with one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays: A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
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The romantic comedy tells of the adventures of four young lovers, a group of would-be actors in a moonlit forest and their interactions with the fairies who call it home.
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The University Theatre’s production, directed by Gary Wayne Barker, brings this enchanting piece to the stage in a production that sets the tale in 1890s India.
Junior Paris McCarthy, who plays Hermia, said, “The fabrics imported from India and the forest that our set designer and scene shop staff have created on stage will hopefully make our production as visually beautiful as Shakespeare’s words.”
The show highlights a cast of 21 SLU students, almost half of whom are freshmen.
Chris Schmank, a freshman, will make his University Theatre debut as Flute. “My experience with Midsummer has been great. The rehearsal process has exceeded my expectations and all of the upperclassmen have been really supportive,” he said.
From the actors who will take their first bows on the University Theatre’s stage to seniors who will be taking their final bow, everyone seems eager to share their work with audiences.
Senior Sarah Price, who will play Tatiana, the fairy queen, said, “It’s such a beautiful show in all aspects and, while I’m sad to end my college acting career and leave my SLU theater family, I’m really proud to be a part of this show.”
Junior Katie Consamus, who plays Helena, said, “I think that putting on such a large show, coupled with the added challenge of Shakespeare, is a really great stride for Saint Louis University’s theater department. It’s something that I think we’ll all be proud of at the end.”
Along with Barker’s direction, the show features lighting design by Mark Wilson, costume design by Lou Bird, scenic design by Mark Wilson and blocking by Dominique Gallo, who brings a mix of Indian-inspired movement and yoga to the show.?
Barker said, “Visually, I think the show is going to be stunning. On top of having seen an aesthetically gorgeous production, I hope that the audience will leave having experienced a show with a sense of fun and magic in a beautiful and exotic locale.”
Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays, Feb. 23 and 24 and March 2 and 3, at 8 p.m. There will be a matinee on Sunday, March 4, at 2 p.m. Student tickets are $6 and regular admission is $10.
Be sure not to miss the much-anticipated production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. All performances are held at the University Theatre on the ground level of Xavier Hall. For ticket reservations or information, call (314) 977-3327 or visit the box office in Xavier Hall.
