Love triangles, fairy dust and fun: 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at Surfside Playhouse

In a world that often feels like it's spinning too fast, there's something compelling about the timelessness of Shakespearean classics.

Surfside Playhouse opens its 2023-24 season with a rollicking production of William Shakespeare's beloved comedy, "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The show opens Friday, Sept. 1 for a run through Sept. 17.

With its blend of romance, magic and mischief, the show promises to transport audiences to a realm where dreams and reality intertwine in the most whimsical ways.

Artistic director Bryan Bergeron describes the play as "a fantastical story of supernatural beings creating havoc in the world of clueless mortals. Why do they do this? Because they can… and it’s fun."

Set in a mystical forest, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" follows the intertwined fates of four young lovers, a group of bumbling amateur actors and a mischievous band of fairies. Love triangles, mistaken identities and otherworldly enchantments collide in a fun frolic that has entertained audiences for centuries.

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The show is a novel choice for Surfside, since the theater has never produced a classic Shakespearean play before.

"Not only is this Surfside’s first mainstage Shakespeare experience," Bergeron said, "It is my first full length endeavor to direct one."

Audiences shouldn't be anxious about the show's elevated language. "We have done a bit of trimming here and their to move the story along," Bergeron said. "We are performing the Folger’s edition, which has clarified the language to make it more understandable to modern audiences."

In choosing "A Midsummer Night's Dream" for Surfside's season, Bergeron felt the production would be worth the challenges.

"It has a delicious assortment of characters," he said. "Fairies, hobgoblins and the occasional human weave on and off the stage as this delightful play unfolds."

"Our local actors have asked us for the opportunity to perform in a Shakespeare production," Bergeron added. "The poetry and cadence of the language is an exciting challenge that most actors want to add to their tool kit."

Bergeron has assembled a cast of 28 actors eager to take on the challenge. Sarah Hall and Kevin McCaughin play the bickering fairy monarchs, Titania and Oberon. The mischievous sprite Puck, who serves as the catalyst for much of the unfolding chaos, is played by Debra Thornton.

And what's a Shakespearean comedy without young lovers caught in a web of confusion? Tyler King and Ed Johnson take on the roles of Hermia and Lysander, and Kristen King and Justin Lepson play Helena and Demetrius.

While "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a comedic romp, the play's exploration of the nature of love, the complexities of human relationships and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy are themes that will resonate with modern audiences.

In a world increasingly reliant on technology, the opportunity to disconnect and immerse oneself in the magic of live theater is a gift. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" reminds us that even in a world of uncertainty, theater has the power to transcend time and transport us to a place where dreams come true, no matter how fleeting.

If you go

'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Where: Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach

When: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Sept. 17. There will also be a special Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Sept. 16.

Tickets: $28 for adults and $25 for students, seniors and military

Info: 321-783-3127

On the web: surfsideplayhouse.com

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Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Shakespearean comedy 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at Surfside Playhouse