A Midsummer Night's Dream coming to RSPA Panther Hall Nov. 18, 19, 20

Ranney International Thespian Troupe #630 Proudly Presents

A Midsummer Night's Dream

by William Shakespeare

November 18, 19, 20 at 7:00 P.M.

RSPA Panther Hall

Tickets: $10.00 at the door

Shakespeare's most popular and enduring comedy is set in an enchanted forest, filled with magical creatures and love-struck humans. Throughout their encounters in the magical forest, the fickle lovers and mystical fairies are transformed in the most unlikely ways. Hermia (Molly O'Neill) has two suitors: Lysander (Noah Goldstein), whom she loves; and Demetrius (Adam Nickel), who has Egeus's (Lauren Resnikoff) blessing. The Duke of Athens (Peter Bontempo) declares that Hermia must obey the laws of Athens and choose: Demetrius, life in the convent, or death. Lysander and Hermia decide to hide in the woods, but they are followed by Demetrius, who, in turn, is pursued by his former lover and Hermia's childhood friend Helena (Hannah Simpson).

Then, things get complicated!

The Fairy Kingdom is ruled by Oberon (Ben Puvalowski) and Titania (Evelyn Giovine). This couple is battling over custody of their changeling child. Oberon directs his faithful servant Puck (Lauren Waters) to retrieve a flower to use in making a love potion. Although Oberon intended the potion for Titania, through a series of unlikely mistakes it causes the human lovers' knot to become further entangled.

A group of rude mechanicals enter into the woods (Alex Seneca, Jood Ani, Elinor Haney, Sophia Chrysanthou, and Helly Kharkover. While they are rehearsing a play, the most enthusiastic of the group, Bottom (Megan Sherow) finds himself cast under a spell by the impish Puck (Lauren Waters).

And once again, things get even more complicated! Yet in the end, the play resolves as the lovers' infatuations become clear, and the couples come to peace.

Director John Doyle's vision is a modern adaptation that retains the timeless humor and charm of Shakespeare's story. The scene design is earthy and colorful, using special lighting effects to mimic shadows in the enchanted forest. There are two distinct forces - the playful and mischievous fairy world and the emotional, more serious human world.

Modern technomusic, singing and dancing, and theatrical effects enhance the story. Non-traditional casting gives the ensemble a special flair as well. This play is appropriate for audiences of all ages.

Theater Manager Intern Margaret Morton leads a production crew of students who have built costumes, sets, props, and designed visual and aural elements for the show.

Overseeing the lighting design and technical crew, Kevin Cotter returns to his position as Theater Technical Advisor and theater lighting designer.

Sound design and music concepts are provided by Matt Callahan and Eric Chiang, sound technicians.

CAST

The Athenians

THESUS: Peter Bontempo

HIPPOLYTA: Sarah Bartosh

PHILOSTRATE: Oliva Boser

EGEUS: Lauren Resnikoff

HELENA: Hannah Simpson

HERMIA: Molly O'Neill

LYSANDER: Noah Goldstein

DEMETRIUS: Adam Nickel

The Rude Mechanicals

QUINCE: Alex Seneca

SNUG: Jood Ani

BOTTOM: Megan Sherow

SNOUT: Elinor Haney

FLUTE: Sophia Chrysanthou

STARVELING: Helly Kharkover

The Fairy Kingdom

OBERON: Ben Puvalowski

TITANIA: Evelyn Giovine

PUCK: Lauren Waters

MANTIS: George Timmons

BUTTER CUP: Chloe Triolo

BRIER ROSE: Brittany Hofferber

LILLY BUD: Samantha Chiarello

PEASEBLOSSOM: Sophia Jackman

COBWEB: Karl Brand

MOTH: Sallie Haas

MUSTARDSEED: Tessa Payer

CREATIVE TEAM

Director: John Doyle

Lighting Designer/Technical Advisor: Kevin Cotter

Producer: Tess Nielsen

Stage Manager Intern: Margaret Morton

Student Stage Manager: Melissa Kowalski

Sound Engineers: Matt Callahan and Eric Chiang

Set Design/Painting: Katie Gill