District 214’s Theater Lab marks 10th season with revival of inaugural production

To celebrate its 10th anniversary season, The Theater Lab, a District 214 Community Education program, returns to the production that started it all: William Shakespeare's “A Midsummer Night's Dream.” The production will be a limited six-performance run, Aug. 14-16 and 21-23.

A tangled web of love, mischief, and magic unfolds where enchanted forests blur the line between reality and illusion. As four young lovers lose their way under a spell gone wrong, a band of bumbling actors prepares a play, and a feud between the fairy king and queen sends the natural world into chaos. With transformation, mistaken identity, and whimsical humor at every turn, this beloved comedy invites audiences into a dreamlike world where anything — and anyone — can change overnight.

“Though we’re returning to our ‘roots’ by producing the first show The Theater Lab performed at the Forest View Educational Theater in 2016, it's an exciting challenge to bring this production to life with a fresh perspective,” said artistic director, John Meyers. “This is the third time I’ve directed this Shakespeare classic, and every time I discover something new.”

“We have our favorite mix of people in the cast of this production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ — some who have been with us since our very first production and others making their stage debut,” said The Theater Lab coordinating producer Patrick Zielinski. “I love the variety of experience and the different connections people have with our organization. It creates an incredible sense of community and an energy that's truly exciting to be part of.”

The cast features (in alphabetical order): Jorge Bello (Lysander), Caryl Davidson (Peter Quince), Sylvain Field (Puck), Erin Fleming (Nick Bottom), Keri Graham (Robin Starveling), Egor J Gribbet (Theseus), Karin Hansen (Titania), Jane Heyman (Hippolyta), Sarah Jane “SJ” Heyman (Peaseblossom), Aimee Jaske (Helena), Hunter Johnson (Demetrius, Flute), Inaya Latif (Mustardseed), McKenna Marie (Oberon), Rachel Misic (Moth), Nancy Morrison (Tom Snout), Patricia Tinsley (Snug, Egeus), Grace Vestal (Cobweb), Karen Warlin (Philostrate), and Kaylee Williams (Hermia), as well as dancers from Mt. Prospect School of Classical Ballet’s touring repertory company, Ballet Expressions.

The creative team includes John Meyers (artistic and production director), Patrick Zielinski (coordinating producer), Chris Good (production and stage manager), Teresa J. Arnold (marketing manager), Keri Graham and Sarah Jane “SJ” Heyman (member and sponsor engagement), Nancy Morrison and Teresa J. Arnold (properties managers), Karin Hansen (costume designer), Michael Incardone (sound designer), Amy Hubert (dance director), Sue Lindell (photographer), and Kathryn Plumb and R. Rosenfeld (backstage assistants).

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the Forest View Educational Center Theater, 2121 S. Goebbert Road in Arlington Heights.

Tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite at rebrand.ly/thetheaterlab/amsnd, or through District 214 Community Education via its online registration system, by calling (847) 718-7700, or sending an email to ce@d214.org. When purchased in advance, general admission tickets are $22, $20 for seniors, and $16 for students. At the door, it is $2 more.

To find out about ticket promotions, special performances, learn more about The Theater Lab, and go behind the scenes of its production of “A Midsummer Night's Dream,” follow District 214 Community Education's The Theater Lab on Facebook and Instagram.