On Stage: 'Midsummer Night's Dream' at Hilton Head Prep
Published: The Island Packet, November 7, 2013 2013-11-07T16:30:05Z
The cast of Hilton Head Preparatory School's production of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
Director: Peggy Trecker White
Lead actors: Students from Hilton Head Preparatory School from ages 4 through 18, including Marisa Wojcikiewicz, Megan Frederick, Jared Woodson, John Sheehan, Allie Santorum, Jackson Puckey, Kate Herman and Ava Nixon.
The plot: "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is William Shakespeare's most popular comedy. It portrays the adventures of four young lovers and a group of amateur actors, their interactions with woodland fairies and a duke and duchess who are about to get married. Taking place in a mythical Athens and an enchanted forest, there is the handsome fairy king, a misguided parent, star-crossed lovers, a weaver who's transformed into a half-donkey, woodland sprites and mischievous elves. This work is widely performed around the world, and no wonder -- it's about the world's most popular pastime, falling in love. But as prank-loving Puck knows, falling in love can make fools of us all. Love is crazy, love is mad. Will love win out in the end?
The story behind the show: Performing "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Prep used to be a tradition, and we thought it would be a great idea to bring that tradition back. It is also a wonderful show to introduce students to Shakespeare as it is highly physical and full of comedy. Performing in the school's beautiful courtyard allows us to be in the magical woods to which the lovers escape. We are surrounded by trees and stars, and thus become part of their story. Theater can happen anywhere.
Director's take: I think the coolest thing about this production is watching the students tackle Shakespeare with such ease. Once they let go of the idea that the characters or the language was far removed from themselves, they jumped in with great enthusiasm. Watching them make these characters their own and come alive has been highly entertaining and satisfying. I am a huge fan of musical theater and look forward to our upcoming production of "Godspell," but it is also incredibly important to me that these students gain experience in all styles of theater. And, even more importantly, it gives those creative kids who don't sing a chance to spread their wings.
Behind the scenes: Because we are performing outside in the courtyard, we've been able to run around and really get used to the space from the get-go. Usually there are students or teachers who aren't involved with the show walking through the courtyard from one activity to the other. The best -- and this happens with every rehearsal -- is when those people stop what they're doing and watch the action. We are getting the whole Prep community involved, and it's really exciting.
Run dates: 7 p.m. Nov. 9-10
Ticket prices: Adults $15, Seniors and students $10
Contact for tickets: www.hhprep.org or they can be purchased at the door.