A Midsummer Nights' Dream on the trails at Viles Arboretum
Shakespeare's most popular comedy comes to life at Viles Arboretum
Join us for a one-of-a-kind theater experience. Shakespeare's beloved comedy of magic, romance and fun comes to life on the trails of Viles Arboretum.
The production begins in the court of 'Athens' (near our visitors' center), where Egeus drags his daughter Hermia. Egeus demands that the Duke force Hermia to marry Demetrius, the man that Egeus has selected to be her husband.
Hermia refuses. She loves Lysander. It's her best friend Helena who loves Demetrius. Rather than face the Duke's ruling, the four lovers escape to the 'woods' (the trails at Viles Arboretum). There, they encounter the King and Queen of the fairies, Oberon and Titania, the mischievous Puck, and other sprites
Along the way, we also meet the rough-hewn workers who are rehearsing their own production of 'Pyramus and Thisbe' to be performed for the upcoming marriage of Duke Theseus and Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazons.
The play returns to Athens (near the visitors' center) for the famous 'play within a play' and a celebration with the cast and audience.
This 80-minute production of A Midsummer Nights' Dream is a zany take on a tale of love, confusion, magic dust from flowers, and lots of laughs in a magnificent setting. Tickets are limited to 50 per performance, and seating is provided at every location along the trail (or feel free to bring your own chair).
Six performances only! On Friday and Saturday, August 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th at 6 p.m., and Sunday August 23rd and 30th at 4 p.m.
Tickets are $20 each, $15 for members of Viles Arboretum. Join here.
If it rains, the show will be performed inside.
A Midsummer Nights’ Dream is produced by Viles Arboretum with generous support from Mad Horse Theatre Company, Momentum Conservation, and the Elsie and William Viles Foundation.
Meet the Cast and Crew
A Midsummer Nights’ Dream
Cast
Kerri Becker – Theseus/Oberon
Bryce Brittingham – Lysander/Flute/Moth
Erin Adams Chanler - Hermia/Snug/Peaseblossom (1st fairy)
Gwyneth Jones – Hippolyta/Titania/Peter Quince
Rita Micklus – Helena/Snout/Cobweb
Talon Moody – Demetrius/Starveling/Mustardseed
Johnny Speckman – Egeus/Nick Bottom
Megan Tripaldi – Puck/Philostrate
Crew
Beth Somerville – Director
Megan Tripaldi – Music Director
Grace Kellar-Long – Stage Manager
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity