Note from the Director

 

New Orleans is one of most magical, mysterious and culturally diverse cities in the country. The city and the state is a great melting pot of culture, beliefs and music, old and new across the board. That's why this production of Midsummer is set in Athens, Louisiana, a small country town outside NOLA.

 

There are sections of New Orleans that are very progressive and sections that have not changed in decades. One can hear the latest music blasting from a Bourbon Street bar, walk down that street, turn onto St. Peter Street and hear the Preservation Hall Jazz Band do music from the early part of the 20th century. There are places where a person can truly be themselves when it comes to gender and gender roles. On the flip side, there are still old-fashioned courtings and debutante clubs alive and thriving today. 

 

I'm happy to say that this Midsummer is not the old-fashioned production of old white guys in tights. As an older white guy who actually has worn tights onstage, I am proud of the non-traditional cast because they reflect what is happening today. The reason why Shakespeare's plays are still being done today is because of the events and the behavior of the characters are still happening since its 1605 premiere. For families, if you or your kids are fans of the film The Princess and the Frog, here's your gateway to Shakespeare (BTW, Puck is the original Minion). If you're a fan of rom-coms, here's your gateway to Shakespeare. 

 

Seeing Shakespeare performed is a lot like attending weddings. One can attend quite a few in one's lifetime, but how many do you truly remember? We hope you enjoy A Midsummer Night's Dream unlike any other. This is not just a play, it's a party. Are all invited. 

 

I want to thank Marta Hamilton (the Winston Wolf of this production), IndyFringe, Missy Rump, Devon Dean, JB Scoble, Jockamo's, Ft. Ben Pub and Triton Brewing Company and Bistro. Much love to Lynne (who did the text adaptation of this production) and Emm.

 

Laissex le bon temps rouler,

Matthew Socey