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.
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