Shakespearean Romantic Comedy Prances into the Morgan Theatre

Utah State University’s theatre season continues with William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” with accompanying music by Felix Mendelssohn.

Playing in the Morgan Theatre Dec. 8-11, this spirited fantasy is a romantic romp in an enchanted forest where the disorder of society and the power of imagination collide as two pairs of Athenian lovers cross into the bewitching fairy woodlands to reveal the course of true love never did run smooth.

“Lovers are fooled, spells are cast and carousing flourishes in a story that exploits the ageless themes of love, jealousy and forbidden passions with the often-humorous consequences of meddling in the lives of others — and it’s all set to music too,” said Dennis Hassan, who plays Oberon, king of the fairies, and doubles as the set designer for “Midsummer.”

The Caine College of the Arts performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is special because it combines William Shakespeare’s text with Felix Mendelssohn’s music for an audio and visual experience for the audience.

“Not only do we have a wonderful cast of 28 talented students, but we are harmonizing a 66-piece orchestra with the USU Women’s Choir,” said Richie Call, the play’s director. “This production is meant to be an experience enjoyed and treasured.”

This performance also boasts some student-driven choreography that really embellishes the fairy characters through exciting movement, said Call.

 

“The movement in the show is really organic and free,” said Tim Roghaar, who portrays Puck, the mischievous fairy, in the play. “We have some acrobatic dancing mixed with cool modern ideas.”

             

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is the perfect date night, according to Hassan. He said the play is all about love going astray and coming back together in the end.

Incidentally, this is Hassan’s second time performing “Midsummer” in the Morgan Theatre. He and his wife ,Wendy Hassan, performed this play together at USU nearly 20 years ago as newly-engaged undergraduates. Hassan was cast as Puck while his wife portrayed Hermia. This time around, the Hassans will be playing the king and queen of the fairies.

 

“When you come to see ‘Midsummer,’ be ready for the most exciting and funny theatre performance you have ever seen,” said Felicia Stehmeier, who plays Helena, described as the most desperate of the play’s four human lovers.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is rated I for Intermediate by the Caine College of the Arts for shirtless males and romantic Shakespearean themes.

Running dates for the play are Dec. 8-11; all dates have a 7:30 p.m. curtain time with an additional matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11. Tickets are $13 for reserved seating, $11 for USU faculty and staff, $9 for all non-USU students and free for USU students with presentation of student identification.

Tickets may be purchased at the Caine College of the Arts Box Office in the Chase Fine Arts Center, room 139-B, or at the Caine College of the Arts Dean’s Office Box Office. Both box office locations are open weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and one hour prior to curtain time at the door. Tickets can also be purchased online or by phone at 435-797-8022.

 

Writer: Jill Little, jill.little.7@gmail.com

Contact: Courtney Lewis, Courtney.lewis@usu.edu, 435-797-9203