More than a decade after its critically acclaimed run, director Joe Dowling today announced his cast of sexy young lovers and sensual fairies for the return of A Midsummer Night's Dream, his landmark production of Shakespeare's beloved comedy. A glorious celebration of young love and the power of imagination, A Midsummer Night's Dream begins previews April 12 and plays through June 22, 2008. Tickets are priced from $24 to $69 and are on sale through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE and online at www.guthrietheater.org.
"2005 BFA graduates Jonas Goslow (Demetrius) and William Sturdivant (Lysander) pair up with 2007 BFA graduates Kathryn Lawrey (Hermia) and Valeri Mudek (Helena) as four young lovers who venture into the lush and sensual forest, seeking escape from the oppressive tyranny of their parents. In a world populated by exotic and fantastical beings, where fairy rulers Oberon and Titania – GEx actors Nic Few (2006) and
Emily Swallow (2003) – are locked in a battle, the mischievous Puck (2006 BFA graduate Namir Smallwood) causes a series of mishaps that lead to some very unusual romantic pairings. Weaving three stories of love, magic and perception in a moonlit forest, Shakespeare's comedy remains an audience favorite.
Led by First Fairy Erin Cherry, a 2000 GEx alum, Sherwin F. Resurreccion and recent BFA graduates Ian Holcomb (2006), Mike Rasmussen (2006), John Skelly (2007) and Brandon Weinbrenner (2007) take flight as foxy fairies in this magical forest of frivolity.
These talented BFA graduates and GEx alumni are joined by some of the area's most-loved performers. Richard S. Iglewski (Tom Snout), Jim Lichtscheidl (Peter Quince),
Stephen Pelinski (Nick Bottom), Sally Wingert (Robin Starveling) and Stephen Yoakam (Snug) band together with 1997 GEx alum
Randy Reyes (Francis Flute) to form the side-splittingly hilarious team of memorable mechanicals.
Nathaniel Fuller (Egeus) serves the royal court of Few, Swallow and Smallwood, each playing double duty as Theseus, Hippolyta and Philostrate, respectively.
Dowling has assembled an all-star creative team to bring a fresh and sexy look to this magical world, reuniting with 1997 designers Frank Hallinan Flood (Scenery) and Paul Tazewell (Costumes). Midsummer newcomers Jane Cox (Lighting) and Scott W. Edwards (Sound) join John Stead (Fight and Aerial Effects Director), who takes the flying fairies to new heights with additional aerial sequences, while composer Keith Thomas updates his hot music beat. Marcela Lorca (Movement), Michael Lupu (Dramaturgy), Andrew Wade (Voice and Language Consultant), Russell W. Johnson (Production Stage Manager), Sarah Gioia (Assistant Director), Michele Harms (Assistant Stage Manager) and Joel Harris (Assistant Fight and Aerial Effects Director) round out the creative team of this truly unforgettable production," state press notes.
The first preview is April 12 and opening night is April 18. The production runs through June 22 and offers some performances with ASL translation, pre-play discussions and/or post-play discussions. Performances are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 7pm and select Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm. Ticket prices range from $24.00 to $69.00.
About the Guthrie
The Guthrie Theater, founded in 1963, is an American center for theater performance, production, education and professional training. The Guthrie is dedicated to producing the great works of dramatic literature, developing the work of contemporary playwrights and cultivating the next generation of theater artists. Led by Director
Joe Dowling since 1995, the Guthrie opened their new three-theater home on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis in June 2006.
The Guthrie is located at 818 South 2nd Street (at
Chicago Avenue), in downtown Minneapolis. To purchase tickets or season subscriptions call the Guthrie Box Office between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily at 612.377.2224 or toll-free 877.44.STAGE. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.guthrietheater.org.
