A Utah Theater Review by B.J. Wright
I have seen Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream many times. Echo Theatre’s version of the play is not your typical run-of-the mill production. In her director notes, Hailey Nebeker notes that she wasn’t exactly excited about the production until the idea of a post-apocalyptic version presented itself. Taking a classic, and adding a new twist isn’t an easy thing to do. There were a couple of things in this production that didn’t quite work for me, however, there were many things that did.
The set designed by Jeffery Blake is quite simple, but effective for the space in the theater. I especially enjoyed the subtle skyscrapers in the background. It gave me the impression that this play could be taking place in a place similar to Central Park in the future. Another element that adds to the post-apocalyptic feel are the costumes designed by Cherie Julander. The classic renaissance attire and flowing fairy dresses you would typically see have been replaced with pants, boots and jackets that belong in worlds where Divergent or Hunger Games would take place. I felt each costume was pieced together in a way to tell a little more of the characters back story, I enjoyed using the costumes to make my own back story for each character.
Apart from the set and costumes, this cast brought a lot of talent to the stage. I often enjoy reading Shakespeare more than watching a play, as the lines often sound fake and rehearsed. This cast did a wonderful job of making the words their own. If you aren’t familiar with the play, there are three main groups on the stage at different times. Often there is one group that is stronger than the others. I did not feel that way in this production. No matter which group was on stage, I was entertained. For the purpose of this review, I’ll call the groups the citizens, the actors and the fairies.
The citizens consist of Chelsea Mortensen (Hippolyta), David Lassetter (Theseus), Michael Hanks (Lysander), Heidi Smith Anderson (Hermia), Jared Lynton (Demetrius), Cherie Julander (Helena), and Jan Williams (Egeus). The interactions between them effectively set up the problem on Hermia being in love with Lysander, but being told she had to marry Demetrius. I appreciated the hand gestures, facial expressions and vocal inflections of these actors to help me understand the sometimes difficult language of Shakespeare. I especially enjoyed the scene where Demetrius and Lysander are” fighting” for the attention of Helena. Hanks and Lynton’s comedic fight had me laughing as Helena and Hermia argued. I also appreciated the realistic depiction of how volatile a friendship between two women can be when men are involved by Julander and Mortensen.
The actors, Jeffery Lee Blake (Bottom), Patrick Newman (Flute), Diana Marie Green (Quince), Renee Huggins-Caron (Snug), and Kevin Gardner (Snout/Starvling) had a great sense of comedic timing. I found myself laughing during parts of this production that in the past have caused me to roll my eyes. One such example is the play of Pyramus and Thisbe. I often wish the play didn’t include this play within the play. However, Blake and Newman’s over-the-top performance put a smile on my face.
The Fairies include David Lassetter (Oberon), Ali Kinkade (Titania), Julianna Blake (Puck), Chelsea Mortensen (Peaseblossom), Chelsea ‘Chex’ Frandsen (Mustardseed), Chelsea Benjamin (Moth), and John Perez (Cobweb). Of this group I found the interactions between Lassetter and Blake as Oberon and Puck delightful. I especially enjoyed the reactions Blake gives as Puck realizes the mistake that has been made, as well as when Puck is told to return Bottom to his original state. Unfortunately, one aspect of the play that didn’t work for me was “evil” fairies. The actors did a commendable job of performing what they were asked, but the animal noises and creepy voices didn’t work for me.
Don’t miss out on your chance to see this new take on an old classic. The evening I attended the play, I noticed several theater goers unsure of where to go. When you get to the Echo Theatre, the entrance is on the east side of the building. As you enter go up the stairs and to the left. You’ll see the box office from there.
The Echo Theatre Presents:
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A Midsummer Night’s Dream
By William Shakespeare
The Echo Theatre,15 North 100 East in Provo, Utah
May 8 – 31 Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat (No Show Monday May, 26)
Tickets: $8-$12
Phone – 801.358.6623
http://www.theechotheatre.com/
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