By Avery Dall-Hilton
As reviewed by Front Row Reviewers, William Shakespeare’s beloved masterpiece, A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Brigham Young University’s Young Company in Provo is a brilliant reimagining by Professor Kris Wing Peterson. This is a student theater company that produces children’s theater performances. The director brings the classic play to life through the eyes of a child in this magical performance for young audiences.
With the setting being a slumber party, you can catch actors in their favorite pajamas, having pillow fights, and doing TikTok dances, all from the comfort of their very own blanket fort. Popular music, engaging story-telling, audience participation, and a bit of magic make this performance an unforgettable encounter with the time-honored tale.
The story is introduced in a pre-show where the actors join the audience and play various games; from there, we are introduced to the characters. The story is one of love and mistakes, as two couples venture into the woods. After a mishap with fairies, the two men fall in love with the same woman! Add a group of tinkers trying to put on a play, a fairy queen hoodwinked into falling in love with a donkey, and a joyful wedding banquet, and you have A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
It is truly remarkable to see a cast of eight actors playing a total of twenty-one characters in a way that is both dynamic and easy to follow. These storytellers are committed to making their performances understandable for small children, as well as rich and entertaining for adults. Katie Torrie, the student director and choreographer, brings a wealth of modern fun by incorporating social media trends and even a dance battle to transport this 16th-century script into 2023.
The performers are engaging and imaginative and worked as a fluid unit that can comfortably toss the delightfully charismatic Puck (Kadyn Ballard) in the air, launch pillows at each other, and drag each other across the stage.
I was thoroughly delighted by Will Blackburn (Theseus/Oberon) for his energetic interactions with the audience, especially the children. He adds so much to the spirit of the performance.
Lydia Cox and Allie Andrews are a delightful pair as Helena and Hermia respectively. They go from hopeless romantics to dire enemies as soon as the spell is placed upon their lovers.
Lysander and Demetrius (Cameron Paxman and Coleman Harper) provide so much earnest devotion to the characters that emphasizes the message of innocent first loves.
One of my personal favorites was the performance of Grant Fletcher as Bottom. He made us laugh at every instance with his physical antics and flawless comedic timing.
I was also impressed by the standout performance of Aunah Johnson,who takes on the role of Titania with regal grace, Quince as a rugged tinker, and Hippolyta the queen of the Amazons. Not only does she portray each character with a distinct accent, she brings power, distinction, and great thought to each.
One of the key elements that makes this show so special is the set. Set and Prop Designer Cooper Tribett brings the concept to full light with his efforts. The set is mainly a fort built out of pillows and blankets. Throughout the show, whenever there is a set change, the actors pull blankets off to reveal different ones that reflect the current setting (i.e., blue with twinkle lights for the night sky).
As is common with theater for young audiences, participation from the audience plays an important role in this production, particularly the involvement of children. Different children are asked to play fairies (each receiving a small stuffed animal that acts as the fairy), participating with the tinkers’ performance, even starting and ending the show by waving a magic blanket. This production also relies on the talents of Kinzie Ijams (Costume, Hair/makeup Designer), Spencer Wilkes Fields (Dramaturg), and Abby Kraczek (Stage Manager) as well as the directors and set designer mentioned above. The delight and enjoyment felt by the children can be summed up by one comment I heard declared loudly by a young viewer: “That was funny!”
BYU’s Young Company produces two shows every year, one Shakespeare and one contemporary play; the students tour and perform for elementary schools throughout Utah County as well as a few public performances for all audiences. The group travels for several months with all their equipment. As such they have a fantastic team that are essential in making the show work. Keep your eye out for them as they may be coming somewhere near you!
I was truly delighted to be transported to my own childhood by this well-constructed, whimsical, and innocent portrayal of love, friendship, and a little mischief. This show is tailored for families with young children, but has a strong heartfelt message that can be enjoyed by all. It will be touring to the Orem Library on April 10 and the Provo Library on April 17. Mark your calendar for a chance to see this touching and joyful performance!
Brigham Young University’s Young Company Presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream; by William Shakespeare.
BYU West Campus Studio Theater 1125 N University Ave, Provo UT 84604
April 10, April 17 2023. 7:00pm
Tickets: Free
tma.byu.edu/young-company
BYU Young Company Facebook Page
Young Company website
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