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Shakespeare in the Park set at Robe-Ann Sept. 25-26
If you’ve driven by Robe-Ann Park lately, you may have noticed a coterie of masked figures chasing each other around the bandshell. Not to worry. It was just a group of local thespians rehearsing a production that will present Shakespeare as it was originally done -- outdoors.
Live theater returns to Putnam County for two evenings, when these acolytes of the Bard bring their version of Shakespeare’s comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to the Robe-Ann Park facility in Greencastle. Performances are set for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. Admission is free.
Attendance is limited by state mandates to 250 persons. Organizers ask that those planning to attend practice social distancing and wear masks for the safety of everyone. Audience members can bring a blanket or lawn chairs for seating.
The production is a condensed modern version of the classic that was adapted by Caroline Good who also serves as co-director along with Shelly McFadden. Assistant directors are Andrew Ranck and Beth Bax. Technical director is Dustin Bond. The light operator is Grace Elmore and the sound operator is Fiona Good. Props master is Noah Pettit.
The plot of the play hinges on Theseus (Chris Wurster) who wants to celebrate his wedding to Hippolyta (C. Good). A lover’s triangle of Hermia (Sarah Armitage), Lysander (Pettit) and Demetrius (Devin Huff) complicate matters further.
Confusion reigns when the magical Oberon (Joshua Saul Bain) and his wife Titania (Ashlee Anne Vitz) decide to use their mystical powers to confuse and confound the mortals. They are helped in their endeavors by Puck (Ranck) and his cohorts Peaseblossom (Alice Howard), Cobweb (Karen Temple), Moonshine (Bax), the Changeling Boy (Mike Henry) and Moth (Suzanne Funk) and Mustardseed (Ellie Henry).
Among those who find themselves enchanted are a group of craftsmen who are hired to make sure all goes well at the wedding, including Bottom (Ric McFadden), Flute (Jay Prewitt), Quince (Alisa Isaacs-Bailey), Snout (Eleanor Howard) and Snug (Tim Good).
Others involved in the antics are Helena (Michaela Semak), Philostrate (S. McFadden) and Hermia’s father Egeus (Bond).
Costumes and settings were designed by the cast and staff.
The production is sponsored by Bittles & Hurt and Hopkins-Rector funeral homes.
Special consideration was also provided by the Greencastle Parks Department and Ranck.
“‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a Putnam County Playhouse project.