Review: 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at Hartford Stage

Pictured: The cast of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' Photo by T Charles Erickson

“Both populist and sophisticated, delightful and profound, ‘Midsummer’ is a play of infinite riches. I believe that it is Shakespeare’s most perfect play.” - Director Darko Tresnjak

Hartford, CT - The magnificent production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ that opened at Hartford Stage this weekend marked the third work of Shakespeare directed by Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak that I have reviewed. As much as I appreciated ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and loved last year’s splashy brightness of the ‘Comedy of Errors,’ this production of what the award-winning director deems to be the Bard’s “most perfect play” is indeed most perfect. Every moonlit moment in the three realms of the royals and the young lovers, the fairies, and the bumbling actors dubbed “the Mechanicals” is simply delightful to behold; my sorrow of knowing that the play needed to conclude after two and half hours was softened by the most impressive final scene I have ever seen in any Shakespearean production.

The magical quality of the play began with the scenic design of Alexander Dodge, on one side the orderly home of the duke inspired by the gate houses of great estates. This rotated to reveal the green wilds of nature that is the world of the fairies, complete with hedges that twinkle. The costumes designed by Joshua Pearson put the nobility in smart hunting outfits attended by proper English servants, the young lovers in private school uniforms, and the Mechanicals in uniforms of their servant-class occupations. The fairy king and queen and their attendants were more classically attired in lush fabrics, and oh, those bridal gowns for the final scenes. Wigs designed by Jodi Stone deserve a special mention, especially for the quick-changes needed for the actress playing two very distinct roles. Everything was lit by York Kennedy with a magical touch and a wonderful ever-changing orb that encircled the set.

The look of the technical aspects served as a spectacular backdrop for the talent of the members of the cast. Hartt School graduates that made their Hartford Stage debut to play the proper maids and the fairies that attend Titania included Gabrielle Filloux, Melody Atkinson and Madison Vice. Anne O’ Sullivan led them as the First Fairy and also played the royal housekeeper.

Will Apicella first appeared as the duke’s Philostrate but made more of an impression as the sprite Puck/Robin Goodfellow. It was very effective when he appeared as the mischievous sprite in the aisle next to me to watch the proceedings of the fools that mortals be.

Hartt School professor Robert Hannon Davis (‘Romeo and Juliet,’ ‘A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas’) returned to this stage to play both Peter Quince and Egeus, the military father of Hermia.

In the best ensemble of Mechanicals that I have ever seen on any stage, Brent Bateman was Snout, Matthew Macca was Francis Flute, Alexander Sovronsky (who was the music director for ‘The Comedy of Errors’) was Robin Starveling, and Louis Tucci was Snug. John Lavelle grabbed onto the role of Nick Bottom and did not let go. Whether he was attempting to convince Peter Quince that he can play all of the roles in ‘Pyramus and Thisbe,’ enjoying his time with the fairies or acting very badly in the performance for the duke, I could not stop laughing at his portrayal of the donkey/man.

Fedna Laure Jacquet was outstanding in the role of the statuesque Helena; I mention her height because Shakespeare does just that during her argument with Hermia. Jenny Leona was the lovely Hermia. Tom Pecinka as the handsome Lysander and Damian Jermaine Thompson as Demetrius, both of whom vie for the favor of Helena with hilarious results, rounded out the students.

Esau Pritchett was regal as both the duke Theseus and Oberon, the fairy king. What a wonderful speaking voice this actor possesses. English actress Scarlett Strallen was lovely as the duke’s betrothed Hippolyta (who displayed some attitude) and the magical Titania. That both actors played both of the royal couples was inspired casting and the two made the most of both of their roles.

This is a production that is not to be missed by Shakespeare lovers, as well as those that might be less inclined to attempt the works of the Bard. The interpretation of the language and the physical comedy made it all very easy to follow; I don’t believe anyone would be disappointed in this most memorable production that runs through October 8, 2017 at Hartford Stage.