North Shore Players "A Midsummer Night's Dream:" Magic Beneath the Sky

Are the woods a stage this evening?

North Shore Players (NSP) is currently staging William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” outdoors. The play centers on lovers in a quarrel, mechanicals putting on a play, and fairies causing mischief. Their chaotic night results in love affairs, conflicts, and reconciliation in an enchanted forest.

Shakespeare truly comes alive when you bring it from the page to the stage. North Shore Players created a fun interpretation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Guided by a talented ensemble, NSP beautifully captured the heart of “Midsummer.” Love will make us do unpredictable things against our nature, but always stay true to yourself. 

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” has several characters. There’s not just one story going on. Although there are three different stories, they connect through love and conflict. The cast brought rich interpretations to the grassy stage.

Bethany O’Neill (Helena), Christina Izaguirre (Hermia), Charles Wainwright (Lysander), and Corey Armstrong (Demetrius) play the four lovers. Their tangled relationships create a chaos of arguments and mix-ups. 

O’Neill’s portrayal of Helena was a highlight. In other productions I have seen, the character is portrayed as a stern, no-nonsense young woman. O’Neill’s made her portrayal goofy and bubbly. She made audiences giggle with her silly laugh, the way she ran after other characters, and her diary entries. 

Izaguirre was fierce as Hermia, who refused to let anyone call her short. The lovers' fight is always a highlight as the characters race around, try to attack, or Wainwright and Armstrong upstage one another in a sword fight. 

No character, however, steals more scenes than Puck, played by Izzy Weidner-Schmidt. Weidner-Schmidt’s portrayal as the mischievous servant is playful, and he delivers an effective closing monologue. Puck is played by Emma Joyce (Mustardseed) in other performances.

James DeSantis was hilarious as the outspoken Bottom. Michael Philbrick (Quince), Elden W. (Flute), Anya Glasko (Snug), Rae Eshelman (Snout), and Dylan O’Neill (Starveling) dive into their roles as the Mechanicals who put on a show. Every scene between the troupe was filled with witty exchanges and clever ideas. 

The fairy world provides the production with its most magical moments. Oberon (Dan Sulzinsky) commands the stage with regal confidence while Titania (Laura Frakey) matches him with equal strength and elegance, making their marital conflict feel both humorous and emotionally grounded. 

No small part exists in the theater. Ensemble members fill in roles as Theseus (Ryan DeCarolis), Hippolyta (Camryn Hafner), Egeus (Rich Griffiths), guards, and fairies. 

In Christina Bontempo’s direction, she makes it an accessible interpretation for all audiences. “Midsummer” celebrates both Shakespeare’s timeless storytelling and the unique pleasure of outdoor theater. She collaborated with the team to bring new creativity and interpretations to present a new story for audiences. 

The venue took place outdoors at Hale Farm in Beverly. I had never been to this location before, and it accommodated the show very well. Visually, the production brings out the world of Athens along with the costumes. Creative entrances and exits through the surrounding landscape reinforce the magical feeling.

Although it was a hot day, audiences enjoyed the show. Audience reaction is my favorite part of any performance. Audible gasps, laughter, or other responses echoed throughout the audience. It means they’re listening. This is most important because most people have deemed Shakespeare difficult for its texts, but this is why visual representations exist. 

We need to bring Shakespeare off the page to define more that’s beneath its layers, the subtle character interpretations and settings that we don’t see. 

Gather at the Hogan Regional Center in Danvers for three final outdoor shows this weekend. Tickets are available online.