Shakespeare & Company Presents A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Now thru 8/30

Shakespeare & Company's Artistic Director Tony Simotes sets his new production of A Midsummer Night's Dream in the mysterious bayous of New Orleans just as the Jazz Era in America was exploding. The production features original music, live musicians, a Drama League partnership, and a cast of over a dozen seasoned Company actors and newcomers.

Performances run in the Tina Packer Playhouse from today, June 21 - August 30th. Press Opening is Sunday, June 29 at 2:00pm.

"On a certain night many years ago in New Orleans I sat at Café Du Monde with a gentle delta breeze moving the Spanish moss and wisteria," says Simotes. "I remember thinking that here is where magic was born in America. Sound, rhythm, and passion - and in my theatrical heart, I thought this would be a perfect setting for A Midsummer Night's Dream. "

A fairy kingdom is at odds, and the devilish sprite Puck weaves his mischief amongst the mortals and mangroves of a 1930's New Orleans in this bewitching and unforgettable treatment of Shakespeare's classic, bawdy comedy. With a sharp eye and savvy hand, Simotes delivers an action-packed, and fun-filled evening of theatre for the young and the young at heart as we follow four young lovers who are caught in the realm between our world and the world of dreams. At its heart, A Midsummer Night's Dream is a complex tale about the nature of love, marriage, and the power of imagination. Bottom and his merry band of 'rude mechanicals' get lost in the mysterious woods where inhibitions are shed, identities interchanged, and desire trumps reason. Over 420 years later, this magical and transformative play remains a metaphor for human life and folly. "A Midsummer Night's Dream remains a special play for Shakespeare & Company," adds Simotes. "It was magical back in 1978 as we spoke our first lines of Shakespeare's text in the open air underneath a brilliant starlit sky and today, as we sit in the Playhouse and reimagine our inaugural production, it is just as compelling, revealing, funny, moving, and enchanting as it ever was. It's been such a joy to work with this talented group of actors, designers and crew on our production as we once again harness and capture the energy, inspiration, and magic that created a legacy of work for Shakespeare & Company that has lasted almost four decades." Simotes, who is also an S&Co. Founder, performed the role of Puck in the Company's first production of A Midsummer Night's Dream back in 1978. This current production marks his third time directing the play.

For Tickets and information about the 2014 Performance Season visit: www.shakespeare.org or call the Box Office at (413) 637-3353, or in person at 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA. Ticket prices range from $15 to $80, with discounts from 10-50% off regular ticket prices for Groups, Students, Seniors, Teachers and the Military. Our very popular 40% Off Berkshire County Residents' Discount will again be available. Both the Playhouse and Bernstein theatres are wheelchair accessible and hearing-aid assisted. To learn more about the season, discount availability, to order tickets or request a season brochure, visit www.shakespeare.org. For group bookings, parties, and special event rental information and details contact David Joseph, Director of Sales & Group Tours, at (413) 637-1199 ext. 132 or groupsales@shakespeare.org.

Photo by Kevin Sprague