1214 Foundation Presents 'A Rockin' Midsummer Night's Dream'

The following is a review written by Nancy Sasso Janis--

If you are interested in seeing a Broadway level production of a brand new musical, you must head to nearby Newtown High School to see an upcoming performance of 1214 Foundation’s magnificent A ROCKIN’ Midsummer Night’s Dream. Yes, it features young performers; trust me, you will soon forget that they are children and teens because every one of them is that talented. Yes, it is based on the Shakespeare comedy of same name (minus the ROCKIN’ of course) but even the young will be able to follow along and they will love the fairies, the comedy, the amazing new music, and did I mention that the most adorable little dog Cosmo Unger returns for a cameo?

My expectations were very high after last year’s Seussical, which was tops on my top 10 list of young actor productions for 2103. Michael Baroody, MD, the founder of the 1214 Foundation and the show’s executive producer, writes: “The young performers in A ROCKIN’ Midsummer Night’s Dream had the daunting task of helping develop an original musical. The steep learning curve was challenging, but the actors turned doubt into confidence under the direction of our superior production team.” These Newtown students “rose to a level that, for most, set a new bar of excellence for themselves.” Artistic Director Michael Unger, whose directing credits include From Broadway with Love: A Benefit Concert for Sandy Hook, adds that they are far more than “merely players” on the world’s stage; they are collaborators and creators, confidence builders for each other and themselves--sometimes as students and sometimes as teachers.” The rehearsal process and the many performances has clearly served as part of the healing process for 107 Newtown kids.

The show is a world premiere, composed especially for this cast by the talented Eric Svejcar (Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. published by MTI.) The book and the lyrics remain William Shakespeare’s words that were adapted and added to by Mr. Unger. Co producer was the Broadway producer of Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Big Fish Van Dean.

The absolutely incredible set was designed by Off-Broadway and regional theater set designer Brian Prather that was built by four young ladies with power tools. Ben Hagen, who served as Special Effect Consultant for the current Broadway production of Aladdin, designed the magical lighting for this high school stage that employed a huge amount of very expensive lighting equipment. Without spoiling its impact, you have to see it to believe how beautifully this set changes throughout the show. The stunning costumes were designed by the multi-credited Kristina Sneshkoff with special leather artisan work done by Andrew Mangold. and Joseph Dulude II, the makeup designer for Wicked and If/Then, designed the magical makeup for both the fairies and the mortals.

The fairies and the mortals are played by a large group of talented students that once again rose to the level of their three Broadway mentors and the surrounding production values. Saum Eskandani (Disaster, On a Clear Day...) was irresistible in the role of Nick Bottom, a member of the acting troupe who famously gets his head transformed into that of a donkey. His pinpoint comic timing combined with his vocal ability made him the perfect Bottom. Marla Mindelle (Gabrielle in Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Sr. Mary Robert in Sister Act) was an ethereal Titania, the fairy queen who is bewitched into falling in love with the donkey version of Bottom. She is a joy to watch whether she is interacting with her young fairy tribe, whose glorious costumes rivaled her own, or going head to head with her husband Oberon, played to perfection by Clarke Thorell. Mr. Thorell (Rooster in the Broadway revival of Annie, the original Corney Collins in Hairspray) is a commanding fairy king that conspires with the mischievous Puck to affect the lives of the mortals.

The rest of the parts were double cast, so that the Moon Cast share performances with the Stars Cast. The Moon cast members got to shine at the matinee that I attended and shine they did. Nicole Kolitsas was outstanding in the role of Puck/Robin Goodfellow; she had the boundless energy required for the role and sang beautifully. Featured fairy roles were played by Quinlyn Kessler, Isabella Correia, Cameron Vasquez, Katie and Lexi Bisset, and Sammy Vertucci. Elle McCausland played the silent role of Changeling.

CJ Landgrebe played the role of royal Theseus and Jiliana Koziol was his lovely Hippolyta. Claire Alexander was a riot as Philostrate, the master of revels for the king. Keith Alexander played Hermia’s father Egeus (for both casts) and. Kristen Liniger owned the role of one of crisscrossed young lovers Helena. Aidan Petershack was strong as Demetrius and Willem Sandercox was just as good as Lysander. Brianna Bauch (Seussical) took on the role of the lovely Hermia; this bundle of talent has a most expressive face that served her well in this part.

As the members of the acting troupe, led by Miranda Wakeman as Peter Quince, Charles Romano (Francis Flute,) Lexi Tobin (Robin Starveling,) Madison Lemon (Tom Snout,) and Tain Gregory (Snug) all did a fine job. So did every member of the fairy tribes and the students that worked behind the scenes.

The 33-piece orchestra (featuring seven violins, two violas and three cellos no less) under the direction of music director Jeffrey Saver sounded better than a Broadway orchestra..enough said. The impressive number of musical pieces, as there are 18 in just the first act, did not disappoint. They ranged in tempo and configuration, but all were perfectly performed by both musicians and vocalists. My favorites were the ROCKIN’ numbers and I appreciated the harmonies on “I Just Had the Strangest Dream” in the second act. I also loved Bottom and the Mechanical’s comic number “I Can Play That Too!” The fact that last-minute changes to the original score were made was not apparent at all.

How blessed we are to have a production of this quality be presented so close to home at an affordable price. Although the 1214 Foundation’s upcoming show is The 101 Dalmatians Musical, this show is suitable for all ages as well.

Four performances are scheduled for next weekend August 8th at 7PM, August 9th at 2PM and 7PM and August 10th at 5PM.

Tickets may be purchased online or at the door from gracious volunteers. A ROCKIN’ Midsummer Night’s Dream plays at Newtown High School (12 Berkshire Road, Newtown, CT) and ticket prices range from $25.00 to $30.00. Do not miss the chance to see this magical production.

Pictured: Marla Mindelle as Titania and Saum Eskandani as Bottom in ’A ROCKIN’ Midsummer Night’s Dream’

Photo by Van Dean.