William Shakespeare would surely have adored the Theatricum Botanicum’s latest production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. After a half century of practice, they finally got it more than right! A perennial favorite at the outdoor theater, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is a charming take on Shakespeare’s tale of love, marriage, and a fairyland of sprites ruled by the incomparable Oberon and Titania. This is a production which has had time to mellow and evolve over the years since its first presentation at Will Geer’s little theater in a natural canyon. This year’s take on the story features continuing improvements on a show which seemed perfect last year.
Christopher Glenn Gilstrap – Photo by Ian Flanders
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is actually three different stories blended with the enchantment of the fairy kingdom. Bottom (Alan Blumenfeld/Brian Wallace) and his pals provide comic relief as the awkward group turn tragedy into comedy in their misguided efforts to perform for the royal wedding of Duke Theseus (Jonathan Blandino) and his Amazon bride Hippolyta (Sidney Mason). Meanwhile, lovers Hermia (Sophia Dawson) and Lysander (Kelvin Morales) flee Hermia’s father, who demands that she marry Demetrius (David Benne) – a man who just can’t get rid of love-struck Helena (Isabel Stallings), a woman who never gives up. When Helena tells Demetrius that the pair plan to elope, he takes off after them – followed by the love-struck Helena. As the quartet stumble through a strange forest inhabited by invisible denizens of the night, fairy king Oberon (Max Lawrence) and fairy queen Titania (Aubrey Saverino) quibble and quarrel over the fate of a changeling child (Anay Deo) each wants. Enter fairyland funster Puck (Christopher Glenn Gilstrap) who tries to make it all right with Oberon’s pesky love potion with disastrous – and hilarious – results.
The Mechanicals – Photo by Ian Flanders
This updated version of Shakespeare’s classic captures the otherworldly enchantment of dreams emanating from verdant surroundings, phantasmagorical costumes, and a talented and enthusiastic cast. While faithful to the spirit of Shakespeare, the play is also fashioned to appeal to the current audience of all ages. Gone are obscure references to people and places familiar to everyone born in the sixteenth century. With a breath of fresh air, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM offers a rich experience tailored to today’s viewers.
Kudos to the throng of fairies, who almost float above the ground as they attend to the fairy queen with human foibles. The entire very large cast massages every sigh – and every chuckle – in the bewitching play. As the cast moves gracefully around the forested hillside, costumer Tracy Wahl makes sure that each stunning outfit is perfect for the moment. Sound designers Kim Cameron and Willow Geer and lighting designer Hayden Kirschbaum add just the perfect soupcon of elegance to this captivating production.
The latest iteration of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is graced with excellent direction, a powerful cast, and well-placed touches of sophistication, humor, and entertainment. A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM does the impossible: the production proves that magic does exist.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM runs through September 15, 2025, with performances at 3:30 p.m. on Sundays (6/8, 6/15, 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, and 9/7), at 6 p.m. on Monday 9/1, and at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday (8/14), Wednesdays (8/20 and 8/27), and Monday (9/15). Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290. Tickets range from $15 to $64 (children 4 and under free; 2 Pay-What-You-Will performances at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday 6/29 and at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday 8/20). For information and reservations, call 310-455-3723 or go online.
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