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Shakespeare’s famous forest frolic with feisty fairies is coming to the Bankhead Theater next week.
CYT Tri-Valley’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is the first time diving into the Bard’s world for many of the performers in the youth troupe – which has been inspiring, educational and even a bit nerve-racking for the teen actors ahead of opening night Thursday.
“I wasn’t sure I’d understand the plot, but it’s been exciting discovering the deeper meaning behind the words,” Andrew Shirk, who plays Theseus, said in a press release. “And even if every phrase doesn’t make sense, the energy of the cast carries the story. We’ve put so much care into this show, and it really shows on stage.”
“This is my first Shakespeare production,” added Samantha Chu, who plays Hippolyta. “I didn’t expect the humor to feel so modern. It may be wrapped in a different style of English, but people have always been people — and we still laugh at the same human things.”
A comedy written by Shakespeare in the late 16th century, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” follows four young Athenians who flee into the forest after dark and become tangled up in the enchanted world Oberon, king of the fairies, and his servant Puck.
“With royal weddings, rustic players, and fairy intrigue, the play celebrates imagination, transformation, and the wonder of love,” CYT Tri-Valley officials noted. “The production uses Shakespeare’s original script and setting while making the story lively, relatable, and accessible for modern audiences.”
Directed by Kristin Baer-Werder with original music composed by teaching artist Rita Baird, CYT Tri-Valley’s production is presented by the local theater company’s all-teen conservatory, NextStage – with all actors between 13 and 18 years old.
“Playing Oberon challenged me to adopt different mannerisms as a young woman portraying a powerful man,” Grace Mancini said. “He’s jealous and conceited, which makes him complicated and very fun to play.”
Lizzie Chandler, who portrays Titania, added, “‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is such a fun story and still so relatable. Even with the challenges of the language, I’ve loved immersing myself in it. If you think you wouldn’t like Shakespeare, we might surprise you. This show has something for everyone.”
The CYT Tri-Valley production opens at 6:30 p.m. next Thursday (March 12) and continues with four more shows through next Sunday (March 15) in the Bankhead Theater in downtown Livermore. For tickets and more information, visit cyttrivalley.org.
