Southwest Shakespeare Company Debuts “A Midwinter Night's Dream”
December 9-18
Southwest Shakespeare Company (SSC), Arizona’s only classical theater, announces that on December 9 it will premiere "A Midwinter Night's Dream," a magical comedy based on "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." But in this production the action is transported from summer in Fairyland to winter, and the intent is to give a Valley of the Sun audience a Shakespeare-inspired winter treat that is destined to become a seasonal tradition.
Many call "Midsummer Night’s Dream" the audience’s favorite Shakespearean comedy. Written in the waning years of the 16th century, this is Shakespeare’s work at the height of his comic genius.
All that is captured in "Midwinter Night's Dream" where the audience will delight in the traditional cast of characters, except here they are dressed in mufflers, wool hats and other seasonally appropriate garb.
In this production - with a running time of 75 minutes - seven actors play the full cast. “They transform before our eyes,” said Kent Burnham, who adapted the classic Shakespeare play and directs this production too. Burnham is most recently known to Valley audiences for his directing of “The Merchant of Venice” at Southwest Shakespeare Company.
Burnham stressed that this production will enchant children and adults alike. “It’s perfect for families,” he said. “Everything is magical, funny, accessible, beautiful storytelling, age appropriate. This is a play that asks you to imagine, to listen, to believe.”
What could be more ideal in the Christmas season, itself a period of magic and myth and storytelling.
This production is based upon a Southwest Shakespeare Company traveling production that has and will continue to visit multiple Valley schools, to introduce students to “Shakespeare in the fun,” that is a play that - as it was in the era of the Elizabethan Globe Theatre - is there to be enjoyed to the hilt. Both sets and costumes are kept lean in SSC’s traveling shows but very much are in keeping with Shakespeare’s intent.
With this production, Mesa-based Southwest Shakespeare Company itself goes on the road. On December 9, 10 and 11, 2016, "A Midwinter Night's Dream" will be performing at the ASU Kerr Cultural Center located at 6110 N Scottsdale Road, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253. Ticketing is being handled through TicketMaster for this location only.
On December 16, 17 and 18, 2016, A Midwinter Night’s Dream will be at the unique Taliesin West Pavilion Theater designed by Frank Lloyd Wright located at 12621 North Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259.
For tickets and additional information please call SSC at 480.435.6868 or visit www.wshakespeare.org
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