The Dolores Theater Troupe is set to enchant audiences with William Shakespeare’s whimsical comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” with performances scheduled for Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
This production, a celebration of love, marriage and the magic of nature, promises to deliver laughter and joy through the talents of 31 actors and additional crew.
The beloved Shakespearean play weaves together humor, romance and mischief after a magic spell disrupts the affections of the characters, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings.
The story is set in an enchanted forest, and explores love and the complexities of love, ultimately resolving in a happy conclusion every audience member will enjoy, according to drama and science teacher Peter Swingle.
The Dolores Theater Troupe has been preparing for this performance since early February, bringing together an ensemble that includes elementary, middle and high school students. In addition, a faculty member will make a cameo appearance, and a live dog will join the cast on stage. Leading the performers are Ben Carpenter, who takes on the dual roles of Theseus and Oberon, and Jadyn Gorsuch, portraying both Hippolyta and Titania. The romantic entanglements are brought to life by Levi Rantz as Demetrius, Amelia Pym as Helena, Daniel Thornton as Lysander and Julianne Vega as Hermia.
“I don’t think I’ve ever laughed more during rehearsals for any other show. This story is just so funny,” Vega told The Journal. “The process of being able to work with such phenomenal actors and laugh together, paired with learning how to perform such a hilarious and wild script, has been the best part of this production.”
During preparations, challenges lied in uniting the play’s three sections, lovers, mechanicals and fairies. Each section was rehearsed separately before being brought together into one performance.
The set design transports audiences to an ethereal forest, with carefully orchestrated lighting and sound effects.
The play’s designers and artists are Amelia Pym, Adeline Dettloff, Ava Gregory, Callie Vaughn, Ripely Lamkins and Marissa Hill.
“I would hope that the audience finds much joy in watching these theater students perform and recognizes the important contributions of the artists and technicians,” Swingle said. “It's a beautiful set and the lighting, sound effects and timing of the stage crew add tremendously to the work of the actors.”
The troupe hopes audiences will leave with a sense of joy, appreciating the dedication of the students and the artistry behind the production. The play’s universal themes of love and fun, paired with humor, make it enjoyable for all ages, offering a chance for the community to come together to enjoy the efforts of the troupe.
“This is a story everyone can find joy in and all of our actors have enjoyed making ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ the show we are proud to perform today,” Vega said. “I hope audiences can feel every ounce of laughter and joy put into this show and that they will share the same smile watching our performance that we wore while creating it.”
Tickets are priced at $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors.
