BPA Shakespeare Society Presents A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Now thru 7/26

Bainbridge Performing Arts is partnering with the Bloedel Reserve to present an outdoor summertime performance. The BPA Shakespeare Society will perform A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM tonight, July 9 - 26 in the meadow at Bloedel Reserve.

In the heart of summer, the Bloedel Reserve offers an unforgettable backdrop for William Shakespeare's famed works. In A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, all of Athens prepares for the wedding day of Duke Theseus and his new queen. But teenagers are arguing with their parents, and now the Duke has to get involved. Everyone runs off to the forest, where they meet the woodland faeries for a bit of madness and misuse of love potion, before returning to Athens for the big community theatre performance.

Director Tom Challinor, supported by Assistant Director Lee Ann Hittenberger, leads a talented and engaging cast of familiar faces and newcomers, featuring Dara Lillis, Jennifer Pippin-Montanez, Aaron Moore, Max Levit, Kat Zommers, Heidi Lindholm, George Shannon, Marc Cantwell, Joel Underwood, Kristi Jacobson, Jennifer Hodges, Austin Bennett, Evelyn Cantwell, Sophie Eldridge, Olyvia Renae-Young, Zac Norberg, Ben Eldridge, Trey Bennett, Matt Eldridge, Gary Fetterplace, Bob Downing, Chris Lane, Linda Owens, Diane Walker, and Chris Norberg.

The Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island is an internationally renowned public garden and forest preserve whose mission is to "enrich people's lives through a premier public garden of natural and designed Pacific Northwest landscapes." The BPA Shakespeare Society's summertime performance aligns seamlessly with the founder's vision "to provide refreshment and tranquility in the presence of natural beauty." Korum Bischoff, Director of Communications & Events says, "Bloedel Reserve is excited to collaborate with BPA, as they are experts in producing high-quality entertainment. Their superb performance, coupled with the Reserve's inspiring landscape, promises a memorable outdoor show for theater-goers."

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM appears at Bloedel Reserve, 7571 NE Dolphin Drive, Bainbridge Island. Shows are July 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, and 26, Thursday - Sunday at 7:00 p.m. A special Pay-What-You-Can Preview will be held Wednesday, July 8 at 7:00 p.m. Audience members should be prepared for a breathtakingly-beautiful 5-minute walk between the parking area and meadow. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Patrons may enter the grounds earlier by paying a reduced same-day-only rate of $5.00 valid after 4:30 p.m. Patrons must be on the Will Call list or present their ticket(s) to Bloedel Reserve to take advantage of this offer.

Picnics will be allowed in the meadow after 6:00 p.m. Beer and wine will NOT be available for purchase. Just over two hours, the production has one intermission. Patrons are advised to bring their own seats, low lawn chairs, or blankets on which to sit. Staff members will assist patrons upon their arrival in the meadow. Seating on blankets will be in front; seating in elevated chairs will be in rear. Space is limited, and seating is first come first served. As there is no ADA parking close to the stage, patrons requiring handicap access can make use of a Shuttle drop off at the stage area. Patrons shall please note that the audience area is a grassy region and that there is no paved access to the meadow.

The BPA Shakespeare Society's 2013 and 2014 productions were met with rave reviews and sold out quickly; patrons are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance.Tickets, $25 for adults, and $20 for seniors, students, youth, military, and teachers, may be purchased online at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org, by phone at 206.842.8569 or in person at BPA, 200 Madison Avenue North, Bainbridge Island. BPA Box Office hours are 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and one hour prior to each performance. Contact Production Manager Siobhan Maguire at 206.842.8569 for additional information.

Performances will continue as scheduled in very light rain. In the event of more inclement weather, performances will be canceled at the discretion of the production crew to ensure the safety and comfort of our performers and patrons. While we are unable to provide refunds for weather-related cancellations, ticket holders for any canceled performances will be welcome to join us on another date of their choice.

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