St. Dunstan's Theatre's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Opens This Week

Even if you've seen A Midsummer Night's Dream before, you've probably never seen it like this. Because you can't get any closer to the play's natural setting than the outdoor Cranbrook Greek Theatre.

St. Dunstan's Theatre Guild of Cranbrook is proud to present A Midsummer Night's Dream in one of only a few Greek-style amphitheaters in the country. This classic Shakespeare play was chosen by St. Dunstan's Play Reading and Casting committee to celebrate the Greek Theatre's 100th Anniversary. It also happens to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.

The Cranbrook Greek Theatre was built in 1916. It was designed by Detroit-based architect, Marcus Burrowes, who was also responsible for the plans of some of Cranbrook's original buildings. The first production featured a troupe of 132 actors - including silent film star, Constance Binney. With typical open-air theatre irony, the inaugural performance was rained out, soaking an audience of Detroit luminaries (including Henry Ford).

The story of A Midsummer Night's Dream features four young Athenians who get lost in the woods and become the playthings of woodland fairies. In true Shakespearian fashion, there are mistaken identities, transformations, and fantastical scenes.

This production is directed by Dan Dobrovich (Livonia), who is the Director of Theatre at Cranbrook Schools. When asked how he feels about directing this production, Dan said, "Working at Cranbrook for four years, I have grown a respect and admiration for the history of this place as a whole. We exist in a unique environment every time we step foot onto this campus, wherever it may be. I relish the opportunity to be part of the Greek's history!"

St. Dunstan's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream features a talented cast of local actors, including Shannon Hurst (Warren) as Helena, Stephanie Peltier (Royal Oak) as Hermia, Joel Hunter (Auburn Hills) as Demetrius, Marcus Laban (Warren) as Lysander, John Boufford (Livonia) as Bottom, Jeremy Rahn (Bloomfield Hills) as Oberon, Liz Schultz (Royal Oak) as Titania, Mandy Bannatz (Novi) as Puck, Daniel Muldoon (Madison Heights) as Peter Quince, Alan Binkow (Troy) as Flute, Hoggie Amare (Troy) as Snug, Jocelyn Ethridge (Eastpointe) as Snout, Michelle Ankoviak (West Bloomfield) as Robin Starveling, David Klecha (Rochester) as Theseus, Christine Kapusky (Canton) as Hippolyta, Andrew McMechan (Birmingham) as Egeus, and Fiona McMechan (Birmingham) as Philostrate. The fairies will be played by Erin Lewand (Royal Oak), Meg Brice, Jessie Newton (Bloomfield Hills), Ronie Kane (Bloomfield Hills), and Arielle Olkhovsky (Commerce).

The show's creative team includes Director Dan Dobrovich (Livonia), Assistant Director Peggy Lee (Orion Township), Student Director Christian Ziolkowski and Co-Producers Molly Dorset and Paul Dorset (Birmingham). Other key players behind the scenes include Set Designer Tom Edson (Bloomfield), Lighting Designer Obie Burch (Royal Oak), Costume Designers Kathy Shapero (Bloomfield) and Linda Watson (Bloomfield), and sound engineer Chris Steinmayer (Oak Park).

St. Dunstan's will present A Midsummer Night's Dream on June 3, 4, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18. Curtain is at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 each for adults and $16 each for students and seniors. Seating is general admission.

For more information or to order tickets, visit www.StDunstansTheatre.com or call 1.888.71.TICKETS.

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