Review: 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' by Shakespeare in Sharon

Sharon, CT - The newly formed Shakespeare in Sharon is presenting a magical outdoor production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on the grounds of the Almquist Estate in Sharon, CT. I joined an audience of all ages who came out with picnics, blankets and lawn chairs on a cool evening to enjoy the opening night performance.

Jane Farnol directs this multi-aged cast performing without masks using the shortened script that she adapted. I was afraid that the adaptation may have eliminated some of my favorite language in the original text, but much of it remained, while making it more accessible for young ears. Just as the director had promised, the production “gallops” along, without losing the details of the plot nor the charm.

The director also made the most of this beautiful outdoor setting and the completely natural stage area. Not many productions of “Midsummer” can boast of having two of the Athenian lovers traveling by rowboat across an actual pond. The 5:30 p.m. start time means that there is natural lighting for the entire performance and just enough daylight for the drive home. In the virtual program, Farnol dedicates this production to “the beautiful American Shakespeare Festival Theatre in Stratford, CT, which tragically burnt to the ground recently.”

What makes this production more comedic than the recent virtual performances I have seen was the chance for the actors to add physical comedy to the portrayal of their characters. Farnol wrestles out every bit of the comedy in her script and the result is that the audience often laughs aloud, especially when the sleeping Demetrius (Thomas Samuels) is stepped on by both Helena (Abi Heydenburg) and Hermia (Shea Coughlin.)

Most of the actors project their voice well enough without microphones that even those seated at the back of the audience space are able to hear the lines. The volume of the recorded music is probably purposefully kept low, but the travel song of the Rustics sung live delightfully marks their entrances. The show features lovely original music by Emma Okell, who also takes on the role of Philostrata.

The booming voice and strong carriage of John Bergdahl as Oberon is a good contrast for the delicate Katherine Almquist as the fairy queen Titania. Actors' Equity Member Jeremiah Maestas stands out in the role of Lysander. The talented community theatre actor Roger Grace makes his Shakespearian debut in the role of Peter Quince. His reactions to the missteps of the Rustics that his character leads are priceless.

Middle school student Irine Dumitrascu makes her stage debut as the mischievous Puck. The young actor gives a magically energetic performance, often eavesdropping on the other characters perched upon the branch of a large tree near the pond.

While the costumes are of various quality, Lou Okell is stunning in regal robes as Hippolyta and the two Athenenian couples are dressed in similar attractive outfits. The three young ladies that tumble and float across the stage area and sing Titania a lullaby as her tiny fairies are lovely in beautiful pastels.

The youngest members of the opening night audience were well-behaved and enjoyed the ninety minute performance. This Shakespearean comedy is a good choice for young children and they will be delighted by the inclusion of the third grade students in the cast.

It is a long, but charming drive to the Almquist Estate. Although my GPS worked perfectly, I recommend bringing the clear directions posted on the website and then following the helpful posted signs to Almquist Estate. And don’t forget the bug spray.

Shows are Friday & Saturday at 5:30, Saturday & Sunday at 2:00 p.m. through June 26. Lawn seating. Be prepared to drive on an unpaved road and park on some bumpy terrain, for “the course of true love never did run smooth.” Tickets at the gate with no reservation needed. $25/car. Doors open 1 hour before the show for picnicking.
(photo by Agnes Fohn)