'Dream' reminds teens true love's course never did run smooth
Elgin Academy's Upper School is reaching high with its fall play, Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," which will be presented Friday through Sunday.
The hilarious romantic comedy was chosen to draw Upper School students to the works of William Shakespeare, and involves more than 30 Upper School students.
Because of the many characters, "all who auditioned for the play were cast," said Mary Bayer, the play's director and the Upper School drama teacher.
"It's great that the play had so many characters; sometimes that's not the way it is."
The play, adapted by Bayer, supports Elgin Academy's focus on classics in its curriculum. Bayer is in her second year at Elgin Academy.
"This is my favorite play of Shakespeare," Bayer said.
"It's extremely funny and still is a challenge for the actors."
However, the comedic play, with its fight between fairies resulting in the reckless use of a magic potion that makes the sleeping characters awake to fall in love with the first person they see, also has many messages and humor for today's youth.
"The interpretation is more modern, i.e. mid-20th century," Bayer said.
"The style and manner are easy to understand. It's the job of the director and actors to bring a funny and clear interpretation to the stage."
"People shouldn't be afraid of Shakespeare," Bayer said.
"This play is the perfect venue to experience Shakespeare."
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at in the Sears Gallery Theatre at the school, 350 Park St., Elgin.
Tickets can be purchased in the Upper School office in Edwards Hall. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students. Make checks payable to Elgin Academy.
Tickets may be available at the door, but be forewarned.
"They're going fast," Bayer said.
For ticket reservations, call (847) 695-0301.
If you go
What: "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Elgin Academy, Sears Gallery Theatre, 350 Park St., Elgin.
How much: $8 for adults, $6 for students.
Info: Buy tickets at Upper School office in Edwards Hall; or call (847) 695-0301 for reservations.