Midsummer Redux at Open Fist

 Having the unique experience of seeing this play on opening night and hearing that two of the lovers are being played by new actors: Anna-Laurie Rives as Helena

and

Jeremy Guskin as Demetrius,
I was interested in seeing how the show may have changed.  The Lovers are especially interesting because of the  wonderful Lovers' Battle. 

Director James Fowler has turned one of Shakespeare's best loved comedies into a commentary on the antebellum culture of the United States before the Civil War.  Getting used to the Southern accents takes a few minutes but the essence of the text remains, Y'all.

Stand outs in the cast remain.  Monazia Smith as Puck lights a pipe at the opening and I wish I understood the symbolism of that.  One criticism that won't be changed by my saying so is that though I am okay with the Fairies and the Rustics being essentially played by the same actors, it's hard to tell who's who now and then. Michael A. Shepperd still rocks Bottom... so to speak.

The energy released by Sandra Kate Burck as Hermia could illuminate a small town for a week. 

Physically, the Lovers' Battle is still a highlight. I remain puzzled, however, by the strong polemic with which director James Fowler presents the final scene. 

It's Midsummer with an edge: A very enjoyable production. 

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Cast of Characters
Theseus:  Bryan Bertone
Hippolyta:  Heather Mitchell
Philostrate/Puck:  Monazia Smith
Egeus:  Alexander Wells*
Hermia:  Sandra Kate Burck
Helena : Anna-Laurie Rives
Lysander : Dylan Wittrock
Demetrius:  Jeremy Guskin
Oberon:  Phillip C. Curry
Titania:  Ash Saunders
Peaseblossom/Fairy/Starveling/Moonshine:    played by Syanne Green

Cobweb/Snout/Wall:  Erica Mae Mcneal
Moth/Snug/Lion:  Azeem Vecchio
Mustardseed/Flute/Thisby:  Malik Bailey
Peter Quince:  Debba Rofheart
Bottom:  Michael A. Shepperd 

The Crew

Scenic Design  Jan Munroe
Costume Design Mylette Nora
Lighting Design Gavan Wyrick
Sound Design Nayla Hull
Properties Ina Shumaker & Bruce Dickinson
Scenic Artist Stephanie Crothers
Choreographer Faith Knapp
Fight Choreographer Nick Mizhari
Production Stage Manager Jennifer Palumbo*
John Dimitri
Vocal Arrangements James Fowler
Publicist Lucy Pollak
Production Manager Amanda Weier
And a special thank you to Justin Eick for original choreography of the lover’s quarrel. (It's wonderful)

 

A Midsummer Night's Dream

by William Shakespeare

Directed by James Fowler

Open Fist Theatre Company

The Complex 

Atwater Village Theatre 

3269 Casitas Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90039

July 2 through August 13,  2022

Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.  

Sundays at 7 p.m. 

TICKETS:
General Admission (except previews): $25
Students, Seniors, Veterans: $15

OTHER:
• Check website for current Covid-19 protocols on the date of each performance.
• Appropriate for ages 10+

HOW:
(323) 882-6912 or www.openfist.org