CEDAR CITY — Even before the play begins, audiences are enchanted by the set. A giant tree with silky, green leaves and tiny lights covers the length of the stage. And then, from Moment One of the action, adorable fairies played by children draw festivalgoers into "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
The show's director, Fred Adams, at age 80 has done it again. His vision of a Shakespeare favorite is sure to make the Utah Shakespeare Festival's 50th anniversary season a success.
Produced in the open-air theater, everything works. The cast is strong, the costumes, particularly for the fairies, are stunning, the props, most especially for the play-within-a-play, very clever.
Shakespeare's story is set in ancient Athens, but most of the action takes place in a forest. The duke, Theseus, has just conquered the Amazons but fallen in love with their queen, Hippolyta. They plan to marry and ask for the citizens to submit ideas for entertainment at their wedding feast. Meanwhile, wealthy citizen Egeus enters the palace with his daughter Hermia and two suitors. He wants Theseus to insist she marry Demetrius, who has just jilted Hermia's friend Helena. But Hermia loves Lysander.
When Theseus lays down the law that she obey her father, her only other options are death or a convent. Hermia and Lysander tell Helena of their plans to meet in the forest and run away. Helena lets Demetrius in on the secret and off they go in pursuit.
At the same time, drama ensues in the forest where Oberon and Titania, the fairy king and queen, are at odds with one another over who owns a changeling child. Oberon directs his right-hand man-fairy, Puck, to create love potions — the tables are turned, and the four young lovers are thrown into romantic confusion. Their physical comedy brought big laughs.
Puck's potent flower juice also falls on Titania, as Oberon decrees she pursue the first creature her eyes find.
It just so happens Nick Bottom and his friends, all humble workers, are rehearsing their comedic tragedy for the king and queen. Puck turns Nick into a donkey — Titania sees him and the wooing begins.
Once Oberon gets the changeling child, he relents, the mixed-up love attractions are fixed and three sets of lovers prepare for marriage.
Elijah Alexander and Kymberly Mellen portray Theseus and Hippolyta and Oberon and Titania beautifully. They are a pleasure to watch. Puck, played by Ben Charles, is spot on. Never have I seen a better portrayal of this character — agile and impish to perfection. Betsy Mugavero as Hermia and Bri Sudia as Helena are delightfully memorable.
And Max Robinson as Nick captivated audience members with his first line and held them each time he appeared on stage. Every member of the Pyramus and Thisbe cast was a delight.
They will capture your imagination, you will be intrigued and you will laugh and laugh.
If you have never attended this Tony Award-winning festival, this would be the year and this would be the way to introduce yourself and your children to the world of William Shakespeare.
Email: cmikita@desnews.com