Shakespeare's Sparkling Comedy A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Opens at Orlando Shakespeare Theater

Jan. 11, 2011 - PRLog -- Directed by Orlando Shakes resident artist David Lee, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM features Broadway Veteran Wynn Harmon (Porgy and Bess) as Oberon/Theseus, and Sarah Ireland, last seen at Orlando Shakes in Wittenberg, as Titania/Hippolyta.  Cast as the lovers, Avery Clark will play Lysander and Michele Vazquez as Hermia, Walter Kmiec as Demetrius and Courtney Moors as Helena. Claro Austria will take the role of the mischievous Puck, and Michael Daly will play the foolish Bottom.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s inventive production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM takes a very modern turn, creating a world that is both magical and phantasmagorical. “A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM celebrates the alchemical power of love and the transmogrification of the human heart,” said director David Lee. “I wanted to unleash a production for Orlando Shakes audiences that is as fantastical as it is funny and as delightful as it is meta-theatrical! It is my hope that this show will celebrate the magic that takes place in the forest of our dreams.”

Contributing to the fantastical environment, the creative team includes David Lee, director; Bob Phillips, scenic designer; Eric T. Haugen, lighting designer; Denise Warner, costume coordinator; and Matthew Given, sound designer.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM is part of Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s Darden Signature Series which continues on February 9 in repertory with an engaging adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, followed by Charlie Bethel’s one-man rendition of BEOWULF, the Theater for Young Audiences production of ALEXANDER, WHO'S NOT...GOING TO MOVE and closing in April 2011 with the Florida premiere of CHARM.

ABOUT THE SHOW:
A mischievous fairy, Puck, leads two pairs of young lovers on a wild and merry chase through the woods outside of Athens. Throw in feuding fairies and a troupe of bumbling actors, and you’ve got a sparkling comedy with something for everyone!

What: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM by William Shakespeare

Where: Orlando Shakespeare Theater in the Margeson Theater
Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803

When:  January 26 – March 19, 2011 – ON SALE NOW!

Dates & Prices:
Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm - all seats $20, $28, $34
Friday and Saturday at 8pm – all seats $26, $32, $38
Sunday at 2pm – all seats $20, $28, $34

Discounts:
Group Sales: 10% off for groups of 10-19/ 20% off for groups of 20 or more, call ext. 265
Student Rush: $10 - 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID
Military/Student Price: $10 off single ticket prices

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION:
Previews:   January 26 and 27, 2011 at 7pm - all seats $16

Opening Night: Friday, January 28, 2011 at 8pm

Senior Matinees: Wednesday, February 16 and March 2, 2011 - all seats $15

Post-Show Talkback: Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 7pm

$20 Under 30:    Friday, February 18, 2011 - Tickets for that evening’s performance are just $20 for those under 30 years old. The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. with a pre-show happy hour featuring $2 beer and $3 wine.

Closed Caption: Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 2pm

Tickets are available by calling 407-447-1700 or online at http://orlandoshakes.org and in person at the box office located inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando’s Loch Haven Cultural Park. Box Office hours are 12pm to show time, Tuesday-Saturday, and one hour prior to show time on Sundays for walk up sales. On non-performance days, the Box Office closes at 5pm. The Box Office is closed on Mondays.

The 2010-2011 Signature Series is made possible by series sponsor Darden Restaurants. The Classic Rep is funded in part by Orange County government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program with additional funding for A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM by Harriett Lake, A. Brian Phillips, P.A., Foley & Lardner, OUC, Wells Fargo and the City of Orlando.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is supported by United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the United Arts campaign and by State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council.

WEBSITE: Please visit http://orlandoshakes.org for recent press releases, more information about the cast, and upcoming special events.

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Now celebrating its 22nd season and with Shakespeare as its standard and inspiration, Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF has grown into one of the region’s most acclaimed Equity theaters producing bold professional theater in Central Florida. Under the leadership of Managing Director Shannon Lacek and Artistic Director Jim Helsinger, Orlando Shakespeare Theater continues to achieve the highest standards, while preserving its artistic and cultural legacy. Through PlayFest! The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays, Orlando Shakespeare Theater is nationally recognized for it contribution to the development of new plays. Orlando Shakes also provides innovative educational experiences through its youth education programming, serving over 25,000 young people, families, and schools annually.