James Clemens Theatre to present ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
MADISON – From the repertoire of the bard, James Clemens Theatre has chosen to feature a work of William Shakespeare for its spring production.
The Jets actors will present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in the James Clemens Auditorium on April 7-9.
“We are very excited to perform one of Shakespeare’s finest works with our excellent cast,” Director Amy Patel said. Patel and Clint Merritt, who is serving as Technical Director, are drama instructors at James Clemens. Ashley King, Lee Bennett and Mason Overcash are designing art for the production.
The cast has three categories of actors on stage:
* Magicals – Sadie Libby, Puck; Joey Crider, Oberon; Elizabeth Swaine, Titania; Alura Withrow, Fairy; Lorelei Mueller, 1st Fairy; Kenn Anderson, 2nd Fairy; Alyssa Triolo, Peaseblossom; Lillie Verge, Cobweb; Ipek Unal, Mote; Ashley King, Mustardseed; and Alanna Swenson, Natalie Meder, Julia Sloan, Claire Landers, Sara Marshall, and Caroline Patterson, who portray Fairies.
* Royals – Brody Millsaps, Theseus; Carly Parker, Hippolyta; Alex Butler, Egeus; Cailen Davis, Philostrate; Adam McDougal, Lysander; Lee Bennett, Demetrius; Michaela Robinson, Hermia; and Grace Hur, Helena.
* Players – Landon Rendon, Quince; Romeo Grant, Bottom; Connor McDougal; Flute; Matthew Chastain, Snout; Simon Tsikalas, Snug; and Stephen Cope, Starveling.
The setting for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is Athens and its adjacent forest. The city represents a civilized life with respect for authority, while the forest is wild and chaotic. The play opens with Egeus bringing a legal dispute before Theseus. As Duke of Athens, Theseus is the city’s chief legal authority, and he is tasked to uphold the law.
Attempting to follow the law, Theseus that Hermia must obey her father and marry Demetrius – not Lysander. With its unruly environment, the forest is ruled by fairy mischief, and social norms disintegrate, shown by increasing chaos for the Athenian lovers, along with Titania and Nick Bottom. When Athenian law and order fails, forest mischief ultimately succeeds. (Sparknotes)
Show times will be April 7, 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. In addition, a 2 p.m. matinee will be presented on April 9. Tickets cost $15 for adults or $10 for students, senior citizens and military.
To buy tickets, visit showtix4u.com. In the “Find an Organization” box, type “James Clemens Theatre,” and then click the link to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” On the next window, click the time on the performance day that you want to attend.
For more information, call 256-216-5313, email jamesclemenstheatre@gmail.com or visit Facebook/James Clemens Theatre.
