The course of true love never did run smooth
Folks, I have had a delightful day.
I just returned from the Mobile Shakespeare Company's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, one of my absolute favorites.
First, let me just say this troupe is amazing. I was pleasantly surprised by the first production I attended, Richard II. We were doing the Henriad in my Shakespeare class, and they happened to be doing Richard II. (When there is drama in Mobile, especially Shakespeare, I go.) Because of their production, I fell in love with Richard II; truthfully, it's right up there with Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet, in my opinion. And the story is just as good. Sadly, I don't think this play is as widely recognized and performed as it should be--Shakespeare's company was almost in BIG trouble for it because the Queen thought they were trying to influence people to revolt. (In fact, I believe the men who commissioned it were imprisoned.) So it has been hushed.
But, back to Midsummer. Anyone in theater or showbusiness will tell you it's difficult to work with children and animals. They did both. The changeling boy and Titania's cast of fairies were all small children, as were the fairies in II.1 (the part was split between two fairies vs. one). And Snout/Snug (whichever was Moonshine in Pyramus and Thisbe) actually had a dog. All were very well behaved.
Naturally, there were a few funny moments. The youngest fairy had fun with a flower and a shirtless Puck. The dog was actually frightened by the timid lion's roar, etc. But, overall, it went well.
The characters were also presented quite differently. There was an amusing mix of proper, accentless (speech vs. feet here) Shakespeare and modern Southern--but it worked well. Bottom was perfectly exaggerated. Oberon was more forgiving than is normally portrayed, which worked nicely. But Helena was the biggest surprise; she was cynical, hostile, and suspicious throughout--more like Kat in The Taming of the Shrew. I loved it. Give this interesting turn, it was quite a shame they cut the "though I be but little, I am fierce" scene between Helena and Hermia. Oh, and Titania and Oberon doubled as Theseus and Hippolyta--brilliant!
[Speaking of cut scenes, I was so afraid they had cut Puck's final "if we shadows have offended" speech--he bowed before Oberon's closing lines. I think I would've gotten up to recite it if they had! But they didn't.]
Finally, the costumes were absolutely glorious! All the other productions I've seen have been in modern dinner dress, but they went ALL OUT for Midsummer. Most everyone was clad in white and gold--Helena, Hermia, and Hippolyta all wore dresses based on classic Greek designs and the men wore suits. The fairies were stunning The women and girls were in peacock colors--blues and purples, while the men had autumnal hues--whites, red, gold, and bronze.
The play was held outside and, for once, the weather suited us! It was a beautiful day--mildly sunny with a nice breeze. There was a brief sprinkle of rain, but it left as soon as it came. (Interestingly, the first Shakespeare play I attended WAY back in 6th or 7th grade was A Midsummer Night's Dream in a local "Shakespeare in the Park" series. I've circled back around--but I've seen nowhere near all the plays!)
It was a truly amazing production and I do believe I'll have to go again when it's in Fairhope from the 23-25!
Here are a few [truly horrible] photos I snagged with my cell. Visit their blogspot for the gorgeous promotional photos.
Titania, Puck, Demetrius, Thisbe, and the playwright.
Fairies, Oberon, the changeling, and Titania.
Moonshine, Oberon, the changeling, and Titania.
Guys, the Mobile Shakespeare Company is seriously the ONE thing I love about Mobile. :D
I just returned from the Mobile Shakespeare Company's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, one of my absolute favorites.
First, let me just say this troupe is amazing. I was pleasantly surprised by the first production I attended, Richard II. We were doing the Henriad in my Shakespeare class, and they happened to be doing Richard II. (When there is drama in Mobile, especially Shakespeare, I go.) Because of their production, I fell in love with Richard II; truthfully, it's right up there with Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet, in my opinion. And the story is just as good. Sadly, I don't think this play is as widely recognized and performed as it should be--Shakespeare's company was almost in BIG trouble for it because the Queen thought they were trying to influence people to revolt. (In fact, I believe the men who commissioned it were imprisoned.) So it has been hushed.
But, back to Midsummer. Anyone in theater or showbusiness will tell you it's difficult to work with children and animals. They did both. The changeling boy and Titania's cast of fairies were all small children, as were the fairies in II.1 (the part was split between two fairies vs. one). And Snout/Snug (whichever was Moonshine in Pyramus and Thisbe) actually had a dog. All were very well behaved.
Naturally, there were a few funny moments. The youngest fairy had fun with a flower and a shirtless Puck. The dog was actually frightened by the timid lion's roar, etc. But, overall, it went well.
The characters were also presented quite differently. There was an amusing mix of proper, accentless (speech vs. feet here) Shakespeare and modern Southern--but it worked well. Bottom was perfectly exaggerated. Oberon was more forgiving than is normally portrayed, which worked nicely. But Helena was the biggest surprise; she was cynical, hostile, and suspicious throughout--more like Kat in The Taming of the Shrew. I loved it. Give this interesting turn, it was quite a shame they cut the "though I be but little, I am fierce" scene between Helena and Hermia. Oh, and Titania and Oberon doubled as Theseus and Hippolyta--brilliant!
[Speaking of cut scenes, I was so afraid they had cut Puck's final "if we shadows have offended" speech--he bowed before Oberon's closing lines. I think I would've gotten up to recite it if they had! But they didn't.]
Finally, the costumes were absolutely glorious! All the other productions I've seen have been in modern dinner dress, but they went ALL OUT for Midsummer. Most everyone was clad in white and gold--Helena, Hermia, and Hippolyta all wore dresses based on classic Greek designs and the men wore suits. The fairies were stunning The women and girls were in peacock colors--blues and purples, while the men had autumnal hues--whites, red, gold, and bronze.
The play was held outside and, for once, the weather suited us! It was a beautiful day--mildly sunny with a nice breeze. There was a brief sprinkle of rain, but it left as soon as it came. (Interestingly, the first Shakespeare play I attended WAY back in 6th or 7th grade was A Midsummer Night's Dream in a local "Shakespeare in the Park" series. I've circled back around--but I've seen nowhere near all the plays!)
It was a truly amazing production and I do believe I'll have to go again when it's in Fairhope from the 23-25!
Here are a few [truly horrible] photos I snagged with my cell. Visit their blogspot for the gorgeous promotional photos.
Titania, Puck, Demetrius, Thisbe, and the playwright.
Fairies, Oberon, the changeling, and Titania.
Moonshine, Oberon, the changeling, and Titania.
Guys, the Mobile Shakespeare Company is seriously the ONE thing I love about Mobile. :D