If you are in the doldroms about the state of Bay Area theatre, bemoaning the companies that have closed, the seasons that have been truncated, the tensions of the time —
let the Berkeley Shakespeare Company escort you to the land of the faeries where you will be assured: all is well. Theatre will survive, some how, some way. The “fabulous invalid” is not yet down for the count.
In the magical Athens of Shakespeare, recreated in a tiny amphitheatre in the Berkeley hills, all is joy, and youth, and laughter. If you have a heart, it will skip a beat for this delightful musical rendition of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
This is amateur theatre at its best. Completely lacking in pretence, unencumbered by conceptual baggage, here you will find a group of young performers giving it there all with “let’s give ’em a show” gusto.
This talented young company exudes innocence. Under Sonya Baehr’s gentle direction (and costume/set/props design) they positively glow.
Baehr’s skillful adaptation of Shakespeare’s language works beautifully. She knows when to leave the poetry untouched (mostly in the mouths of the faeries) and when to make things simple for modern ears. Composer Thomas W. Jones musical efforts are fine, and, in the case of the faerie’s gorgeously rendered lullaby, a bit more than that.
The company does not offer the sophistication and experience you might find at Cal Shakes. The performances are straightforward and simple. But here, inexperience is a plus, and you could no more fault these actors than you would criticize a rosebud for not being a full blown rose. In all the ways that count most, this company delivers.
Clearly, the most experienced actor is Teresita Brimms, who shines as Puck, and is fully capable of delivering Shakespeare’s poetry with clarity, humor and enthusiasm. Her professionalism makes certain that things keep moving along as they should. Zachary Vaughn Munck is a hilarious Nick Bottom who knows how to get laughs.
The young lovers are young and lovely. The faeries, especially Izaak Heath as Oberon, are otherworldly. Young Heath has a future as a professional actor, should that be his chosen pursuit.
Don’t just take my word for it. Gather the family and friends, pack a picnic, and head out to Berkeley for something special.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The Musical” runs every Friday and Saturday night and Sunday afternoons through July 30, 2023. For further information, click here.
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Rating: **** (For an explanation of Theatrestorm’s rating scale, click here.)
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“A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The Musical” adapted by Sonya Baehr. Produced by Berkeley Shakespeare Company. Music by Thomas W. Jones. Director: Sonya Baehr. Music Director/Keyboardist: Thomas W. Jones. Guitarist: Alexander Neujahr. Set Designer & Construction: Sonya Baehr. Props Designer & Construction: Sonya Baehr. Costumer Designer: Sonya Baehr.
Cast:
Puck & Philostrates: Teresita Brimms. Oberon/Theseus: Izaak Heath. Hippolyta/Titania: Jen Gallagher. Egeus/Snug/Elf: Bonnie ?Anderson. Cornelia/Mustardseed: Claire Young Ando. Hermia: Tina Traboulsi. Sabina/Moth/The Boy/Cornelia: Caitlyn Vincent. The Boy (performing 7/28 and 7/29): Emmett Baehr Stout. Demetrius: Christian Vaughn Munck. Lysander: Duy Truong. Helena: Elana Swartz. Jackie Quince/Faiory/Elf/Titania: Torey Bookstein. Nick Bottom: Zachary Vaughn Munck. Francis (Frankie) Flute: Julia Noel. Starvelong/Peaseblossom/Portia: Mikki Johnson. Tom Snout/Elf: Skyelar Clouse
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