North Shore Players' Brings "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Outdoors this July

The course of true love never did run smooth.

William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is coming to the grassy stages of North Shore Players (NSP). The play revolves around several characters; lovers, fairies, and performers, who get lost in an enchanted forest. Their chaotic night results in love affairs, conflicts, and reconciliation.

When it came time to plan North Shore Players’ 2026/27 ‘Magic, Miracles, and Moonlight’ season, the team felt that William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was the perfect fit for the summer.

“It’s ultimately a celebration of love, imagination, friendship, and magic,” said director Christina Bontempo, who is also the vice president of NSP.

Bontempo, a Revere resident, has been involved in theater for 25 years from acting, directing, and working as an arts administrator. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English and a concentration in Performance from Fitchburg State University.

Bontempo said her favorite part about theater is how it builds community. “There’s something special about a group of people coming together to tell a story and creating a small chosen family in the process,” Bontempo said.

Over 40 people auditioned for “Midsummer.” Bontempo was seeking cast members who were willing to take risks, work together, and be open to the material.

Auditions sought the interest of married Salem residents Bethany and Dylan O’Niell, who play Helena and Starveling the Mechanical. While Bethany had a five-year hiatus from the stage, this is Dylan’s first show.

“I wish I started auditioning for shows years ago!” he exclaimed.

Together, the couple have helped each other learn lines and understand the Shakespeare language onstage and at home.

Rehearsals have been a fun and joyful process. Cast members have taken time to research their characters. Anya Glasko (Snug) researched a joiner, Laura Frakey (Titania) and Gabriella Miele (Musterseed) thought about how fairies think, and Corey Armstrong (Demetrius) watched a film adaptation of the play.

The role of Puck is shared by two actors; Peabody resident Izzy Weider-Schmidt and Somerville resident Emma Joyce. They have each taken their own inspiration for the character, focusing on the comical nature or physical movements.

Since day one, Bontempo has helped her actors understand relationships, explore comedy, and grasp the Shakespeare language.

For Richard Griffiths’ (Egeus) first Shakespeare play, he remarked he was intimidated, but advice from a friend helped him. “Shakespeare is meant to be heard, not read. So, say it, or listen to someone else say it,” the Peabody resident recounted.

Danvers resident Travis Wallace (Guard) advises to study the language or tone behind the piece and watch video of the scene for visual clarification.

All shows of “Midsummer” will be outdoors at either Hale Farm in Beverly and at the Hogan Regional Center in Danvers. Nature plays an important part, according to Bontempo, who said the locations will provide an immersive experience for audiences.

“First time performers are shining and seasoned thespians are honing their craft to make this an amazing outdoor adventure,” said Lynn resident Michael Philbrick (Peter Quince).

As the performance gets closer, their are several scenes that audiences should look forward to. Peabody resident Christina Izaguirre (Hermia) said a confrontation between the lovers is an exciting scene.

Being described as a funny, romantic, and imaginative production, Middleton resident Dan Sulzinsky (Oberon) said that “Midsummer” is a wacky show that is accessible to everyone.

Show dates are July 10-July 19. Bring a friend, a lawn chair, and a blanket to see a production of North Shore Players “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Concessions are available at all performances, partnering with Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School. All proceeds help support students' trips to Italy and France.

Tickets for Beverly and Danvers are online.