Imagine … Shakespeare in 1920s New Orleans … that’s just what the Conservatory of Theatre and Dance will offer with A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the River Campus.
Southeast students are taking on one of Shakespeare’s classic comedies … this time … set in New Orleans of the roaring twenties. Director Bart Williams says he chose this setting because, well, what time and place could be more fun?
You will still get a magical forest—ours are just swampier and dripping with Spanish moss and fairie lights.
The play also has a four-legged actor, Beatrice, a rescue, making her stage debut. And for those impressed with her talents … the Humane Society will have adoption corrals at most of the evening performances.
If jazz and puppies and America in the 1920s don’t evoke true Shakespearean feels, never fear … Williams says this is still classic Shakespeare.
This is a play that people who love Shakespeare will love, and those who hate Shakespeare will laugh themselves silly at. If you think Shakespeare is inaccessible and no one gets it – this will prove you wrong.
And you can see that for yourselves opening this weekend April 21.
Also … the Russian National Ballet on April 21 with two performances in one show: Romeo & Juliet plus Alberto Alonso’s Carmen.
On Saturday … guest artist Junghwa Lee tickles the ivories with works from Debussy and Albeniz and Monday, April 24, you can enjoy this season's final performance from the Southeast Symphony Orchestra in concert with the Southern Illinois Symphony.
For full details … show times … tickets and more head to RiverCampus.org and I hope to see you soon at the box office.
