Synopsis

“What fools these mortals be."

Shakespeare, summertime, and starlight -- an ideal combination for the Delaware Shakespeare Festival's inaugural production: A Midsummer Night's Dream.

The play, set in ancient Athens, follows the story of four young lovers, seeking sanctuary in enchanted wood, who become sport for the mischievous sprites that dwell there. Foolishness ensues as mortals and fairies alike are magically entranced with extremely misguided cases of love at first sight, causing comic situations that will keep audiences laughing.

Director Jen Thompson brings out the lightheartedness of one of Shakespeare's most famous comedies. The actors embrace the Bard's humor, showing that falling in love, then or now, makes fools of us all, but is always worth the journey.

Accompanied by spirited music, earthy costumes and beautiful outdoor scenery, Midsummer is sure to please both new and old Shakespeare fans.

Artistic Director Molly Cahill, who plays "Helena", established the Festival to bring Shakespeare to everyone in a relaxed, natural environment.

Shakespeare may have thrown in plenty of 'thees' and 'thous', for his audiences, but he also managed to capture life in a manner in which we're familiar ... even today. And in the case of Midsummer, he captured humor like never before. If you've never seen a Shakespeare play before, Midsummer may be the light production that will make you a fan.

A Midsummer Night's Dream will be presented August 1-3, 8-9 at 7:00 p.m with a Sunday matinee, August 3, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at Archmere Academy. The grounds will open for picnicking one hour before showtime. Tickets can be purchased at the door.