William Shakespeare is a Star!

It has been Shakespeare time in the Highland View Academy English department. The freshmen just ended their study of Romeo and Juliet (pictures to be posted soon), the sophomores are finishing Julius Caesar, and the seniors have completed A Midsummer Night's Dream. I was able to take the seniors to a local performance of the play at the Blackfriar's Theater in Staunton, Virginia. The production was excellent, and we all had a fantastic time. The seniors wrote play reviews of their experience, and I thought I would publish one of the best, by Ashley Butler, as an example of a proper review. Perhaps you'll enjoy hearing her perspective on our field trip.

For further information about the play itself and the company, visit the American Shakespeare Center website.

A particular favorite among the cast was John Harrell, who played Bottom the weaver.

A Midsummer Night's Dream Play Review by Ashley Butler

Original is just one of the adjectives a person could use to describe the American Shakespeare Center’s May fifth performance of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Having enjoyed the actual script, it was refreshing to finally be able to see it performed by such capable professionals. Shakespeare’s beloved talk of feuding fairies and mixed up love translated gloriously to the stage with the assistance of a modern wardrobe and a cast of comedic geniuses.

Without outside direction, this troupe choreographs and stages every element of the show from start to finish. Their timing is impeccable, and the audience never has time to be distracted between laughs. There is no official costumer, so the cast must make wardrobe decisions according to how they feel the character should be dressed. The clothing was not period appropriate, but it incorporated the spirit of the original characters while adding a bit of comedy for modern audiences. Hermia, played by Miriam Donald, was dressed sweetly in a light pink gown, while Helena, played by Sarah Fallon, was dressed in a distasteful floral frock, making her seem more like the needy, unwanted character that she was.

The talent of the play company is unmatched compared to any other production that I have ever seen. One standout performance was that of John Harrell, who portrayed Bottom the Weaver. His exaggerated movement and over-the-top personality so personified the character of Bottom that I will be unable to imagine anyone but him if I ever get the chance to see the play at some other venue. More great characterizations were Demetrius and Lysander (Chris Johnston and Gregory Jon Phelps). They made excellent sparring partners, fighting first for the love of Hermia, then Helena. The character doublings were seamless, and any actor playing two characters gave them both a distinct personality.

The meager set allowed for full character development and did not distract from the script’s riveting content. The entire performance depended on the actors and was not cheapened by extraneous props or overstated scenery. The natural acoustics of the theater were excellent. Without amplification, the audience never missed a word (this was partially aided by the exceptional volume and enunciation of the actors). The soft lighting felt natural and the seating made the entire show feel very intimate. With actual seating on the stage, the audience was a part of the play.

Before and after the show and during intermission, cast-produced music kept the mood light. The script has a few songs for which there is no scoring. These songs were reproduced with modern instruments, and done very well. At the pivotal “sudden love” sequence, modern music sent waves of hilarity down into the theater.

There are many ways that this particular comedy could have been interpreted. I believe that this cast picked one of the most entertaining. If I ever get a chance to return to the Blackfriar’s Playhouse I will definitely take it. There is nothing much more satisfying in this life than a thoughtfully produced, well acted, and beautifully presented classic.