Written in love’s richest books—’A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at Hedgerow

by Ellen Wilson Dilks

Hedgerow Theatre in historic Rose Valley has joined forces with Philadelphia’s Maukingbird Theatre Company to present a fast-paced production of Shakespeare’s comedy A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.   Trimmed to 90-minutes (with no intermission), the Bard’s comedy about love—and magic—is set in an elite boarding school, and the woods nearby.   The lighthearted romp will be onstage at Hedgerow’s historic building now through August 11^th.  Maukingbird Artistic Director, Peter Reynolds, is at the helm of this production.

Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind,

And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.

Our main story: Theseus, head of the area is celebrating his marriage to Hippolyta.  Meanwhile, young Hermia’s in love with Lysander (who loves her back), but daddy Egeus demands she marry Demetrius—or die, per their law! Demetruis thinks Hermia’s okay, but…. Following him around is the lovestruck Helena.   They eventually realize their love during the course of a bewitched night in the woods.  It’s current day, and when at the school, cell phones figure in the actor’s “business.”

The woods get very crowded. Also on hand are Oberon, King of the Fairies and their minion, the mischievous Puck.  Oberon is currently in a battle with Titania, the Queen, over a changeling child.  Titania has her court of Fairies doing her bidding.   Last to join the crowd is a ragtag group of locals (often referred to as The Mechanicals) who are rehearsing a play they wish to perform for Theseus and Hippolyta at their nuptials.   Their hammy leading man, Bottom, falls victim to Oberon’s and Puck’s potions, as do the young lovers.  But Puck gets it all wrong, so Oberon must guide him in untangling the mix-ups amongst the couples and Bottom.

The production is visually most appealing, starting with Andrew Laine’s elegant, yet whimsical, set.  With just drawing “curtains” of vines with purple flowers, we go from the traditional looking school to the magical forest.   Lighting Designer Lily Fossner adds her own magic to the look of the production.  Delightful underscoring has been created by Joe Barsanti, while Rebecca Kanach has created a lovely array of costumes for the various groups that delineated their worlds well.  Choreography is by Yana Vilchnyskaya, and Colleen Hughes serves as Intimacy Director.

The company of actors is young, understandably.   But their grasp of the language and its meaning is solid—the work of Voice & Text Director Lynne Innerst.  Director Reynolds gives the actors space to explore, yet his deft touches are apparent throughout.  I might have edited the Fairies dance a bit and allowed more of Shakespeare’s text to be used, but that’s me…

The Ensemble is as follows: Alicia Alvarez (Moth), Lane LaVonne (Mustardseed), Yana Vilchnyskaya (Peaseblossom) and Mersha Wambua (Cobweb) are ethereal as the Fairies who serve Titania—played most elegantly by Niambi Fetlow.   Her Oberon is the equally elegant Vanessa V. Sterling, beautifully androgynous in a wonderful pale plum suit.   Spencer seems to enjoy playing the king’s machinations.   Abetting Oberon’s “play” is a spritely and mischievous Juliette Nero Eddings as Puck.  Matt Tallman, a frequent Hedgerow guest artist, is his usual solid self as Egeus (Hermia’s father).  The engaged couple of Theseus and Hippolyta are sweetly portrayed by British native Craig Storrod and Kaitlyn Cheng.   They’re very believable as a couple in love.

The actors playing the Mechanicals are a delight, working together as a tight unit.  Leading them is a wonderfully showy August Hakvaag as Bottom.  Balancing out Hakvaag are Michael Kozloski as Starveling (wearing his school jacket inside out and measuring everyone with great precision), Jia Weingard as a quirky Snout and Kevin Lara as Snug (who really gets into playing the Lion in Pyramus & Thisbe). Elliot Colahan (a phone obsessed Flute) cuts loose when enacting “Thisbe,” giving us a nod to Bridgerton’s Penelope, and Madelin J. Madamba is engaging as the valiant Quince who is trying to hold the rambunctious group together—a bit like herding cats.

This brings us to the young lovers, all of whom delightfully portray that first blush of love with energy and truth.   James Maloney is unabashedly vulnerable as Helena, following Demetruis around like a puppy dog.  Katy Robinson is caring (and determined) as Lysander, who adores Hermia.   Brandon Tyler shows us that boy every school has—the one so confident and assured he deserves the attention he gets.  His Demetruis is a bit stuck up yes, but Tyler lets a certain amount of insecurity sneak through.   Major shout out to Nicole Lawrie for her work as Hermia.  “…Though she be but little, she is fierce.”  Lawrie hits every note.

“Lord, what fools these mortals be!”

This MIDSUMMER is a confection, a souffle of energy and laughs.   It explores gender roles, family dynamics and (perhaps) the darker aspects of love.  In our current climate it is a risky—but interesting—choice to do some gender bending as the company tells the story of discovering love in all its permutations.   To quote Lin-Manuel Miranda “Love is love is love.”

When You Go: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM plays through August 11^th at Hedgerow Theatre – located in a 1740s converted grist mill at 64 Rose Valley Road, in Rose Valley, PA—just outside of Media. The performances have a runtime of 90 minutes—with NO intermission.  Best enjoyed by ages 12+ (there are some sexual situations and references).  Performances run Thursdays thru Sundays, check the company’s website (www.hedgerowtheatre.org) for start times.

 

Special Events:

PRIDE Happy Hour Thurs, Aug 1 at 6p (7p curtain)
Post-show Reception with cast – Fri, Aug 2 & 9 after 7p shows

Audio-described Performance – Sat, Aug 10 at 2p
Sensory tour and pre-show notes 1:15p

Relaxed Performance – Sat, Aug 10 at 2p
Sensory tour and pre-show notes 1:15p

Open Captioned Performances – Fri, Aug 9-Sun, Aug 11 (all performances)

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation – Sat, Aug 10 at 2p

For details on accessible accommodations click here. Please inquire with the box office if you have specific accommodation needs.

There is ample free off-street parking, and the theatre is within walking distance of the Media-Elwyn train line—you would get off at the Moylan Station.  Nearby Media Borough has a number of wonderful dining options along State Street for a pre-show meal.  Or a post-show knosh.   Hedgerow is fully handicapped accessible, information regarding this as well as directions, can be found on the Company’s website. For tickets, call (610) 565-4211, or purchase them online. www.hedgerowtheatre.org

NOTE: COVID Protocols: Masks are currently not required, but this may change if the number of cases rises in the area again. Please visit the website for details on these new policies.