REVIEW - Midsummer Night's Dream (Masque)

Old review I just found. Here for posterity.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare

Masque Youth Theatre, April 2005, Rochester MN

Although my son, Gabe, still can’t get straight that we’re not going to see Brittney Spears, we watched 2:35 of William Shakespeare on Friday night. One of Shakespeare’s most frequently performed shows, the plot focuses on the parallel love problems of Oberon/Titania, Theseus/Hippolyta, and the four lovers Hermia/Lysander, Helena/Demetrius. Don’t worry, it all works out in the end.

The set is wonderful. Weight supportable platforms, dangling ropes, and oversize flowers – wow! In the forest, the swings are fun, visually interesting, and establish the magic – ‘ya don’t see that everyday on stage! Cross-pattern floorboards made of Trex, with subtle floor painting to match (Gabe couldn’t believe it wasn’t a lighting effect) created playing area. The lighting system is at its limits in the dim forest, but the Xmas lights on the ceiling provided excellent mood.

Characters. While the interplay between the four lovers was generally playful and fun, the physical antagonism of Demetrius and Lysander grew wearisome. Helena and Hermia picked up the sparring, and kept it varied and entertaining. Nobody comes close to the Masque with physical movement, as this show again demonstrated. Occasionally, the swings were overpowering, as actors moved from position to position in too rapid a succession while using the swings in a heavily prescribed manner, losing the language and distracting from character intent. Of special note was Puck’s assistant; a model of focusing the audience, staying engaged, and riveting action – all without a single line! This actor (yes, actor, as the term actress appeared as late as 1749, over 250 years after actor – do we call them conductresses or directresses? Actor is gender neutral), this actor appeared able to handle any role on stage, and was excellent at the one she had. Also outstanding was Sara Suginaka (home team bias), especially with her sobbing, stiff-limbed entrance, her scrambling pounce across the stage, her leg embraces, and her final exhausted crawl on the deck – Huzzah!! Beware the pouty lip, it’ll break your heart!

The script. I would’ve cut it quite a bit and I would’ve hit the key lines quite a bit harder. I usually shy away from heavy handed emphasis, but nonetheless, slow down a bit, get off the swings, and say those few lines directly to the audience. Yet, so many lines, each demanding such rigorous delivery to communicate meaning; what a phenomenal accomplishment!

Once again, the Masque delivers with one of the literary greats, telling an old story with energy and clarity. Taking vertical height risks on swings and platforms only solidifies their standing as the best physical training program for youth I’ve ever encountered.