Two unique casts performed “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” at the Missouri Theatre on March 18 and 19.
MU’s Concert Series presented “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Saturday, March 18, and Sunday, March 19 at the Missouri Theatre.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” originally written by William Shakespeare in 1595, is the story of a quarrel between the Fairy King Oberon and the Fairy Queen Tytania, which leads to teasing the fates of four nearby mortals. The play itself is lined by undertones of urgency and carries elements of both drama and comedy.
Upon entering the theater, audience members were greeted by an arching ceiling and the soft twinkling of glittering chandeliers that hung solemnly above. Sweeping balconies surrounded at either side, dripping with intricate golden accents and artful French style decoration. The soft plucking of a harp and the soulful sound of a violin’s bow dragging across its matching strings could be heard.
The lights dimmed and a hush fell over the room as the theater faded into darkness. The music starts, growing until it crescendos, as it bursts through the silence and fills the area. The play begins.
One character of note is Fairy Puck, who was played by MU senior Megan Lyon. Puck’s character assumed the role of comedic relief between the dizzying and emotional bouts of drama in the play. Lyon did a wonderful job of keeping the audience laughing, as well as bringing an enthusiastic and mischievous energy to the stage — one very befitting of Puck.
The set was arranged minimalistically, with only five regular set pieces being consistently manipulated during the show. However, props and fog were utilized in ways that brought magic to the stage. As each fairy arrived on stage with a set of lights strapped to their hands, it gave the illusion that the performers truly had sparks flickering from their fingertips while singing for their Fairy Queen.
Due to the minimal set design, the performers had to rely heavily on their talent. In Saturday night’s show, there were four vocalists who deserve special mention. They are Caitlin Kenney (Tytania), Haley Mesz (Helena), Yonathan T. Astatke (Demetrius) and Henry Braeske (Bottom). Each night showcased a different cast.
Kenny’s voice in the role of the Queen of Fairies was nothing short of astounding as she let out multiple soprano high notes during her solo moments. Her strong notes filled the theater.
Mesz’s portrayal of Helena was memorable – not just through her voice, but through a fashionable wardrobe as well, specifically the beautiful green dress she wore during the last act. Mesz’s voice easily blended notes of soprano and alto, using either when it was called for.
Astatke’s voice as Demetrius, the man Helena falls in love with, was characterized by how strong he could belt, his vibrato rich and clear, with a look of unruffled determination across his face as he sang.
Braeske’s deep voice filled the auditorium with thick notes of bass, accompanied by a flare for drama that left the audience giggling in their seats.
The actors, musicians and set crew did a creative job portraying William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” They worked well together, bringing the play to life in a seamless and modernized way, which added additional depth and relevance to the Shakespearian classic. The MU Concert Series’ most recent performance was entertaining and well worth the time spent.
Edited by Egan Ward | eward@themaneater.comCopy edited by Lauren Courtney