Magical A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Comes to In Atlanta Botanical Garden

The ALLIANCE THEATRE is pleased to announce its upcoming production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Adapted and directed by David Catlin, founding ensemble member of Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago, this world premiere adaptation has been developed specifically to showcase the beauty of the Atlanta Botanical Garden and incorporate Lookingglass Theatre Company's renowned style of physical storytelling.

Based on one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies and set in Atlanta Botanical Garden's magical Skyline Garden, the Alliance will produce this outdoor production from September 5 - October 21, 2018.

Opening night is September 12, 2018. A Midsummer Night's Dream is the final stop on the Alliance's On-The-Road season, where twelve shows were produced in twelve different venues, and opens the Alliance's 50th Anniversary Season, which will include the opening of the new Coca-Cola Stage at ALLIANCE THEATRE.

In A Midsummer Night's Dream, two couples deal with love and all its complications - confusion, jealousy, and passion. Further hindering the couples on their way to happily ever after are a lively band of characters and challenging events, including a band of actors, wood sprites and elves, and a botched love potion!

"Nonsense!" That's how director David Catlin sums up the plot for his adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream. "Stuff and delightful nonsense! This Midsummer is full of outrageous characters, silly love songs, dizzying dance, acrobatic storytelling, and of course Shakespeare's delicious language. Our Dream is a story about venturing into the innermost bud of heart, getting lost in the deepest forest, finding love, and returning to the world replenished and renewed. And all in one of the most beautiful places on the planet - the Atlanta Botanical Garden."

The creative team also includes Set Designer Kat Conley, Costume Designer Sully Ratke, Sound Designer Rick Sims, Lighting Designer Lesley Boeckman, Choreographer Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, and Vocal Coach Elisa Carlson.

The cast for A Midsummer Night's Dream, who will each be playing multiple characters, includes Devon Hales (Atlanta: Shakespeare in Love), Joe Knezevich (Atlanta: Shakespeare in Love), Adeoye (Atlanta: Moby Dick), Courtney Patterson (Atlanta: Disgraced), Ericka Ratcliff (Chicago: Marie Antionette), and Travis Turner (Chicago: Thaddeus and Slocum).

"We are thrilled to have the ALLIANCE THEATRE present A Midsummer Night's Dream in the new Skyline Garden this season," said Mary Pat Matheson, President and CEO, Atlanta Botanical Garden. "I can't imagine a more magical and beautiful setting for one of Shakespeare's most creative and inspired works. The ALLIANCE THEATRE will bring it to life in our Garden with the Atlanta skyline shimmering in the background."

"Bring your imagination," said Catlin, "and a heart open to a little nonsense!"

Performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream are September 5 - October 21, 2018. Dates and times vary. Check the website for details.

Early matinee performances for students will take place on Sept. 13, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, 28, Oct. 2, 3, 4, 9, and 10 at 10:30 a.m. This performance is recommended for grades 6+ and supports curriculum standards: ELAGSE6RL3, ELAGSE7RL3, ELAGSE8RL3, ELAGSE8RL6, ELAGSE9-10RL4, ELAGSE9-10RL5, ELAGSE11-12RL4, ELAGSE11-12RL5. For ticket information, contact allianceschoolday@woodruffcenter.org or call 404.733.4661.

Tickets start at $20 and are available at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office in person or by calling 404.733.5000 or by going online to www.alliancetheatre.org/midsummer. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Atlanta Botanical Garden the hour before each performance.

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