It's always pleasing to see a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, for it always reminds me of the magic and splendor of the theatre. To my mind, no play better explores magic in all its wonder than Shakespeare's classic romantic comedy, which Tuckaberry Productions has revived at the quaint Impact Theatre in Brooklyn.

The revival, billed as a family-friendly adaptation set in a high school, opened this past weekend and is directed by Michael Hagins, who is no stranger to helming the works of Shakespeare. Hagins, who also did the adaptation, gives us a well-intentioned, well-paced, and overall incredibly fun production, thanks largely to spirited performances from a strong ensemble.

It's graduation day at Athena High, where Principal Theseus (Jonathan Craig) prepares for his marriage to a woman who seems not entirely sure she wants to marry him. It's also a tense day for four high school seniors, all busy sorting out their romantic entanglements while engulfed in typical struggles with parents and teachers. Hermia (Rebecca Overholt) and Lysander (Joe Kurtz) love each other, but her father wants her to marry Demetrius (Ziad Ghanem). Demetrius loves Hermia, but is loved by her friend Helena (Brandi Rhome). When Hermia and Lysander run off together, Helena tells Demetrius, and he chases after them, with Helena chasing him.

As the four lovers wander in an enchanted forest, Titania, the Fairy Queen (Sarah Amandes) and Oberon, the King (Matt Bernhard) argue over custody of a changeling child.

Less a subplot than a brilliant satirical device, the Athenian Drama Club, led by Bottom (Lawrence Lesher) and his foolhardy band of "rude mechanicals," stumble into the main doings when they go into the same enchanted woods to rehearse a play very loosely based on the myth of Pyramus and Thisbe.

With the help of his playful companion Puck (John Forkner), Oberon administers to his queen, to Lysander, and to Demetrius the juice of a magical flower that causes people to fall in love with whomever they first see after they wake up. Hilarity ensues as Titania falls in love with Bottom who has been saddled with a donkey's head. Lysander and Demetrius both fall in love with the neglected Helena, forgetting all about Hermia.

By morning, though, everything is sorted out and mended. A Midsummer Night's Dream contains some wonderfully lyrical expressions of lighter Shakespearean themes, most notably those of love, dreams, the stuff of both, and the creative imagination itself.

Some purists may take little enjoyment in the switch of setting from ancient Athens to modern-day Athena High, but I was taken with it. It enhances the magic of the piece and, most importantly, makes it accessible to those who may not have a familiarity with the Bard's works.

A standout from the impressive young cast was John Forkner, whose Puck was a lively rogue with energy both winsome and infectious. It was a joy when he was on stage. The same must be said of Lawrence Lesher's hysterical turn as the obnoxious yet ultimately lovable Bottom. Sarah Amandes and Matt Bernhard were also top notch as Titania and Oberon, respectively.

Visit Tuckaberry for ticket information.