Olde Essex Stage Company Added New Magic to "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Several adventures are happening in the enchanted forest tonight.

Olde Essex Stage Company brought William Shakespeare’s “A Mdsummer Night’s Dream” to several outdoor venues. 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.

As I have come to appreciate over the years, Shakespeare is meant to be witnessed live onstage, and Olde Essex Stage Company embraced that with its production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Olde Essex took one of Shakespeare’s popular comedies and transformed it into a fresh production filled with comical moments, unique twists, and clever staging. 

The cast was remarkable. They all studied their characters closely, bringing rich interpretations to the grassy stage. One aspect that I enjoy about Shakespeare, or any theater, is the different character interpretations. Each actor was lively in their delivery and had loud diction that carried out across Patton Homestead. 

Raya Young (Helena), Lola Cassino (Hermia), Michael Mazzone (Lysander), and Darcy Lefferte (Demetrius) play the four lovers. Their tangled relationships create a chaos of arguments and mix-ups. As Hermia and Lysander escape into the forest to flee an arranged marriage, Helena relentlessly follows Demetrius to win his affection. 

Comedic delivery, both in speech and physical timing, is important in these roles. Love is so unpredictable, and their feelings change rapidly. The lovers' fight is always a highlight as the characters race around, try to attack, or upstage one another. Each actor balanced vulnerability and their character’s main transformation very well. 

In one of my favorite interpretations, Puck, the mischievous fairy, is shared between three actors. Jillian Chueka, Mikayla Bishop, and Billy Lewand were exceptional in cartwheeling through the grass and delivering their poetic lines. 

I always look forward to the Mechanicals' scenes. It’s my favorite part of “Midsummer,” as the characters attempt to rehearse and stage “Pyramus and Thisbe.” 

Stephen Chueka was hilarious as the outspoken Bottom. Connor Burke (Quince), Ryan Stack (Flute), Kristin Harris (Snug), Shannon Keelan (Snout), and Maeve Moriarty (Starveling) commit to their roles, diving into different personalities and quirks. Every scene between the troupe was filled with witty exchanges and clever ideas. 

Speaking of innovative ideas, the switch between Oberon and Titania’s (Mike Obremski and Lauren Casey) characters really intrigued me. Instead of Titania being cursed to fall in love with Bottom, it was Oberon. 

Director Ashley Skeffington said she was inspired by other productions that did this reverse. Obremski and Casey also played Theseus and Hippolyta, and she said that with their counterparts, it made sense. 

Skeffington did a marvelous job in her direction. She brought a unique and imaginative interpretation of “Midsummer.” The circus theme made a lively addition. The colorful costumes, energetic staging, and playful atmosphere are complemented by the magical world of the enchanted forest. 

I saw “Midsummer” when they performed at the Patton Homestead location in Hamilton. Patton Homestead is a stunning location with grassy fields that stretch for miles. Actors used every inch of the grassy stage, even walking in from a great distance from the stage. They projected magnificently through the fields. 

Unfortunately, you can’t always count on Mother Nature. Throughout most of the play, dark clouds rolled in, and thunder was heard in the distance. The thunder created a fitting backdrop as the lovers quarreled, heightening the drama.

Olde Essex’s “Midsummer” was an engaging show that made audiences laugh and applaud. This is a story about love, forgiveness, and embracing life’s unexpected twists, like a rainstorm that finished the show early. A big applause to everyone involved and for showcasing impeccable and dedicated talents.