‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ brings merry mayhem to Donnell stage

William Shakespeare’s classic comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be presented by the Bowling Green State University Department of Theatre and Film for one weekend only, May 2-5. On May 3, there will be a free, pre-performance promenade event at 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Wolfe Center for the Arts. Guests will be able to visit with student artists, listen to creative writers, enjoy music, and hear from the play’s production team about the concept development of the costumes, sets and lights for the production before they see it.  

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” follows Hermia as she escapes into the mysterious forest with her lover, pursued by an unwanted suitor and his admirer, when her father demands she marry the man of his choosing. When the four young lovers find themselves bewitched by warring fairies, the world turns upside down in a frantic game of “who loves whom” cat-and-mouse. Meanwhile, a group of tradespeople are stymied in their plans to produce a play of their own when fairy magic gives their leading player the head of a donkey. Featuring some of Shakespeare’s most delightful characters – trickster fairy Puck and beloved buffoon Bottom - “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” challenges notions of power, patriarchy, and the unknown with equal doses of magic and mayhem.

Dr. Heidi L. Nees, assistant professor of theatre and film, directs the production, assisted by undergraduate student Libby Zamiska. Dr. Stephannie Gearhart, associate professor of English, serves as dramaturg. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” features scenic design and properties by Kelly Mangan, lighting design by Dr. Marcus Sherrell, costume design by Margaret McCubbin, and make-up design by Sacarra Bridgeforth and Tiffany Voland. Original music and music direction are provided by Jarod Dorotiak. The cast includes more than 20 BGSU students from theatre, film and other majors. The production is stage managed by undergraduate student Nora Long.

Performances are scheduled at 8 p.m. May 2-4 and at 2 p.m. May 4 and 5 in the Thomas B. and Kathleen M. Donnell Theatre at the Wolfe Center for the Arts. Tickets purchased in advance are $5 for students, $10 for senior citizens, and $15 for other adults. All tickets are $20 if purchased on the day of performance. Advance discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available at bgsu.edu/arts, at the Wolfe Center Box Office from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays, or by calling 419-372-8171. For more information, contact the BGSU Department of Theatre and Film, 419-372-2222.