A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM to Kick Off 2016 at Folger Theatre

Kicking off Folger Theatre's 2016 commemoration of 400 years of William Shakespeare is one of his most beloved comedies, A Midsummer Night's Dream. On stage from January 26 through March 6, 2016, this hilarious and heartfelt celebration of the follies and foibles of human beings is directed by four-time Helen Hayes Award-winner Aaron Posner. It is performed by an all-star cast, including Holly Twyford as Bottom, Eric Hissom as Oberon, Caroline Stefanie Clay as Titania, and Erin Weaver as a mischievous Puck. Tickets are available online at www.folger.edu/theatre or by calling the Folger Box Office at (202) 544-7077.

One of Shakespeare's earliest comedies, A Midsummer Night's Dream is a frolicsome escapade bursting with mistaken identities, topsy-turvy love triangles, and mystical charms as lovers are bewitched and beguiled by inhabitants of the captivating forest. Absurdity, trickery, love affairs, and machinations abound in one of the Bard's most enduring tales.

The extraordinary cast includes Desmond Bing as Demetrius, Adam Wesley Brown as Lysander, Betsy Mugavero as Hermia, Richard Ruiz as Peter Quince, and Kim Wong as Helena. The production also features Justina Adorno (Starveling), Elliott Bales (Egeus), Megan Graves (Snug), Monique Robinson (Snout), and Dani Stoller (Flute).

"Welcoming the funniest, most accomplished classical stage actors, in addition to pointing Aaron Posner to one of the only great Shakespeare plays he has not put on our stage," says Janet Alexander Griffin, Folger Theatre's Artistic Producer, "seems like the very best way at the start of 2016 to bring attention to all that Shakespeare has given us and why his plays matter."

This production features original music composed by Andre Pluess (As You Like It at Folger Theatre), with scenic design by Paige Hathaway (Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead at Folger Theatre), costume design by Devon Painter (Cyrano and Macbeth at Folger Theatre), and choreography by Erika Chong Shuch (The Conference of the Birds at Folger Theatre). The creative team also includes Jesse Belsky (lighting design) and Sarah Pickett (sound design).

"Everyone knows Midsummer is one of the great theatrical masterpieces," stated director Aaron Posner, "but no matter how many times you engage with it, there are always new riches, new depths, new pleasures, and new discoveries to be made. My goal is to keep it simple and playful and true, and let this great group of actors share with our audiences all the discoveries they make about how the play speaks to them."

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