Spring is a great time for a play about the magic – and the mess – of love. UNM’s Department of Theatre and Dance offers that, and more, with its upcoming production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Denise Schulz, in Rodey Theatre on the UNM campus April 15-30, 2005. Performances will be held April 15-16, 21-23, 28-30 at 7:30 p.m. and April 17 and 24 at 2 p.m.
Considered the loveliest of Shakespeare's romantic comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream draws us into a dark forest, where love loses its way, where the King and Queen of the fairies battle over a child, and where a group of well-meaning workmen bumbles through rehearsals for a play. Soon, the fairies' magic leads to chaos, with couples changing partners and the Queen in love with an ass.
In A Midsummer Night's Dream, we are transported to a world where night is a time for mischief and merrymaking and love’s transforming power takes hold. Shakespeare's enchanted comedy triumphantly entwines passion, poetry and the lunacy of love. "Lord, what fools these mortals be!" proclaims the goblin Puck!
The creative team for A Midsummer Night's Dream, led by director Denise Schulz, includes all faculty artists. The choreographer is the new head of dance at UNM, Donna Jewell. The production features a multi-level set designed by John Malolepsy, Art Nouveau inspired costumes designed by Dorothy Baca and the wood’s magic evoked by lighting designer William Liotta. World Stage Design 2005 recently honored John Malolepsy, Dorothy Baca, and William Liotta for inclusion in their inaugural exhibition, which was held in Toronto this March.
The transforming power of dreams is one of director Schulz’ themes for this production. This is an especially potent image for her cast of student actors, with half of them graduating this spring to pursue their own dreams!
The April 16 performance is a benefit for Department of Theatre and Design Scholarships, with a pre-performance Champagne reception honoring Barbara Talbot. Talbot was a gifted student in the department, graduating in 1951. She and her husband Lyle are loyal supporters of UNM and the Department of Theatre and Dance.
Proving that romance is in the air, all Friday evening performances will feature special “Date Night” rates with all tickets two for the price of one with many local restaurants offering patrons specials.
All tickets are $12 general, $8 faculty/staff/seniors, $6 Students and are available through the UNM ticket office at 925-5858, Tickets.com outlets, or online at www.unmtickets.com. Tickets for the benefit are $50, which includes the champagne reception in the UNM Fine Arts Museum at 6 p.m., and $20, which includes a post-performance reception.
Contact: Kathleen Clawson, (505) 277-4332