Two tangled couples are better than one and fairy mischief produces hilarious results - two truths that were proved at Paul VI Catholic High School in their production of “A Midsummer Night's Dream.”
Shakespeare's beloved classic, written some time between 1590 and 1597, follows many Athenians on the eve of the Duke's wedding. Lysander, who is Hermia's love, and Hermia elope to the forest. Hermia's fiancé, Demetrius, follows, pursued by Helena. Oberon, King of the Fairies, plays a trick on his Queen, and tries to help Helena by making Demetrius love her. A mix up occurs thanks to Puck, and the couples are all tangled up. Meanwhile, a local troupe of handymen have come together to stage a tragic play for the wedding and end up accidentally embroiled in the Fairy King's prank.
Paul VI took on the challenge of producing such a famous work. The energy was buoyant with cast members leaping, tumbling, and flipping across the stage, filling the auditorium with their enthusiasm.
The story was clearly told through the strong performances of the lead actors. Hermia (Abigail Rozmajzl), in turns, proved both touching and fierce as she dealt with Lysander's fairy-induced betrayal and Helena's supposed theft of her love. Helena (Caleigh Davis) played up the comedic aspects of her character, going so far as to lay down, grabbing Demetrius' ankles as he desperately tried to flee her advances. Both girls were smashing in their fight scene, clawing at hair with earrings flying.
Demetrius (Drew Goldstein) and Lysander (Ryan Brogley) acquitted themselves admirably onstage, especially as Demetrius responded with great sass to the girls' fight. Oberon (Nathaniel Smith) commanded the stage with his regal manner, booming voice, and killer dance moves.
Although there were some mic and lighting issues, the ensemble cast was energetic and committed. The Mechanicals, putting on the play, milked their smaller stage time for all it was worth, earning them boisterous laughs from the audience. Nick Bottom (JJ Cummings) was the quintessential over eager theatre student, trying to play all the roles and loudly. Quince (Isabella Whitfield) was the adorably frazzled director, and Snout (Katey-Sue Ransom) played a very lively wall, horrified by people kissing through her.
The hair and makeup team did a wonderful job creating ethereal looks for the fairy folk. Tousled tresses twined around flowers and their faces glittered under the lights.
Paul VI's production of “A Midsummer Night's Dream” was a pleasant way to dream away the hours and a vibrant interpretation of a well-loved familiar tale.