One of William Shakespeare’s most famous romantic comedies debuts at Elon University this month when “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” set to the backdrop of the 1960s, makes a four-day run on stage.
“Midsummer” tells a timeless tale of love, romance, and fantasy, all wrapped in the mystery and fast-paced passion of a summer night. The play features some of the Bard’s most memorable characters and scenes – only 370 years after the script was first written.
DATES: April 24-26, 7:30 p.m.; April 27, 2 p.m.
LOCATION: McCrary Theatre in the Center for the Arts
COST: $12 or Elon ID
“When deciding on how to approach the play, I wanted to find an era that would mirror and amplify the issues in it for a modern audience. In ‘Midsummer’ we see a very traditional society in which young people feel restricted and penned-in by the status-quo,” said Fred Rubeck, a professor of performing arts who is directing the play. “We wanted to find a time when generations clashed, when romance collided with tradition, and various sub-cultures provided very different models of love and romance.
“As we explored different time periods we kept coming back to the 1960s as a perfect fit.”
Midsummer features a cast of 25 and a five-piece live cover band, playing live onstage during the performance. The set (Dale Becherer,) costumes (Jack Smith,) and lighting design (William Webb) will be vibrant, colorful and fun, evoking the 1960s theme.
Tickets are now available for purchase. For more information, call the university Box Office at (336) 278-5610 or stop by Center for the Arts from 12:30-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.