Summer enchantment

By Amelia Cook Fontella, The Isthmus

June 22, 2017

American Players Theatre always promises an enchanting experience: theater under the stars with a backdrop of forest, chirping crickets and the songs of whippoorwills. This summer, the magic is magnified by season opener A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Under the direction of John Langs, this production is nothing short of stunning, taking Shakespeare’s comedy to new levels with a vibrant energy and bold choices.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream has been staged at APT many times over the years, but the choice to open the 2017 season -- and christen a brand new stage -- with it is significant. A Midsummer Night’s Dream was the company’s very first production in 1980, and as American Players enters a new chapter in its history with this major renovation, it’s a meaningful selection.

There’s an immense confidence and joy in this production. The actors are clearly having a ball. There’s no better example of this than Cristina Panfilio as Puck, a rascally sprite who takes pleasure from messing with mortals. Panfilio’s energy is electric. She gives 100 percent to every leap, mischievous grin and outburst, and it pays off in creating an unforgettable character who can be simultaneously wicked and whimsical.

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