The Machinery of Mischief: A Review of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at American Players Theatre

Mary Wisniewski, NewCity Stage

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Shakespeare’s most popular comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” is a favorite for outdoor theater. How could it not be? It’s a love story set in the woods, with faeries. It was the first show staged by American Players Theatre at the start of its history in 1980, and the current show running through October 5 on APT’s Hill Theatre is its eleventh production.

The plot is simple—the father of a young woman, Hermia, wants her to marry Demetrius, but she loves another man, Lysander. Meanwhile, her friend Helena loves Demetrius. All four escape into the woods. The woods are ruled by quarreling faeries, King Oberon and Queen Titania. Oberon sets his chief sprite, Puck, to make peace among the young lovers, but Puck creates chaos by getting the directions wrong. Puck also bewitches a working-class rube, Nick Bottom, as part of a plot to trick Titania.

So how do you keep this 430-year-old play fresh? By remembering that it’s a comedy. Of the many productions of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” I’ve seen, this show directed by core company member David Daniel is by far the funniest. Go beyond the pixies in woodland garb and the sprinkling of magic potions, and the play is a knock-down farce. You see the machinery of mischief being erected, and you can’t wait to see it crash.

It’s easier to emphasize the twee and magical in this play than the comedy, because the language is challenging. To really make the audience laugh, not just smile or politely titter, you must know the text upside down and inside out. Aided by voice and text coach Rosie Ward, the actors know what they’re saying and had the rehearsal time to decide how to say it.

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