Two local theatre companies take Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' to area parks

When the kids are home for summer break, parents are constantly seeking affordable and educational entertainment for their children and families. For many, a theatre company offering a free-of-charge family friendly play outdoors is considered an artistic and educational goldmine. In Twin Cities parks this summer, parents are able to introduce their children to the exciting world of William Shakespeare as two area theatre companies stage productions of Shakespeare's classic comedy, "A Midsummer Night's Dream." In two very different productions of the same play, Upright Egg and The Strange Capers will each present Shakespeare's timeless tale of four young lovers who find themselves in a magical forest filled with mischievous fairies casting misguided love spells.

Upright Egg

Upright Egg's production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream" features a cast of over thirty performers ranging from ages 6 to 60. Directed by Leah Adcock-Starr, this production is processional in style, meaning that the audience will be able to gallivant with the fairies throughout the park from scene to scene. This production is suitable for all ages. "The energetic atmosphere encourages young people to participate physically and vocally in the production," says Rachel Weber, who plays the role of Titania in the production. 'Our audience doesn't need to be quiet or sit still. It's a very physical and rambunctious piece of theatre. It's ideal for kids."

The remaining performances of Upright Egg's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" take place July 9th and 10th at Matthews Park in Minneapolis. All performances start at 7:30pm. For more information, visit Upright Egg online at www.uprightegg.com.

The Strange Capers

Directed by acclaimed Twin Cities theatre artist Randy Reyes, a cast of nine actors will present Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Powderhorn Park, located at East 35th Streets and 15th Avenue South in Minneapolis, MN. Performances are scheduled rain-or-shine every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm between July 10th and August 1st.

"The concept of children at play is at the core of The Strange Capers' production," says Reyes, who is also the founding co-artistic director of this theatre company. "Kids so easily go into a make believe world, so they are a perfect audience for a play where fairies exist and spells are made in a magical forest." Reyes is very excited to give young children their first Shakespeare experience. "Shakespeare's plays are meant to be performed, not just read", he says. "I think that our very accessible production is a great introduction to his timeless works of art." Everyone who attends is welcome to bring lawnchairs or lay down a blanket and enjoy a picnic during the performance.

More information about The Strange Capers and their production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" may be found at www.thestrangecapers.com.

Full disclosure: the author of this article is a performer in The Strange Capers production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.