The cast of “A Midsummer Might’s Dream” are seen during a recent performance. Pictured from left: Nathan Morgan as Demetrius, Brady Skewis as Puck, Kyle Flickinger as Lysander, and Lilith Kontos as Hermia. (Photo courtesy of Jill Vermeulen)

MARQUETTE – Enjoy a magical evening of open-air theatre at Presque Isle Park this weekend. A talented group of current and former NMU students have put together an outstanding, whimsical production of Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” This fun, energetic one-hour-and-ten-minute show is sure to entertain and bring a smile to your face. And the location couldn’t be more perfect! What more could you want from a summer evening in Marquette?

The skilled performers breathe new life into the Bard’s 400-year-old play, demonstrating that its themes and social commentary are still relevant in today’s world.

The play opens as Theseus, the duke of Athens, prepares to marry Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons. Theseus is approached by Egeus, a nobleman, requesting assistance in compelling his daughter, Hermia, to marry the man of his choosing, Demetrius, rather than another young man with whom she is in love, Lysander. To escape her father, the two young lovers (Hermia and Lysander) flee to the forest. Demetrius – who loves Hermia – chases them into the forest. And Helena — who loves Demetrius — chases him!

Elsewhere in the forest we encounter a variety of characters preparing to perform a play at the nuptials of Theseus and Hippolyta, and an assortment of woodland fairies who are given to doling out magic spells. Oberon, the fairy king, enlists the help of his servant Puck to cast spells on the fairy queen (Titania) and the two young men who fled to the forest with Hermia. The spells cause the subjects to fall asleep, and then fall in love with the first creature they see upon waking. The farce begins when Titania wakes to fall in love with of one of the characters (named Bottom) that Puck has transformed into a donkey. The comedy reaches a fever pitch when both young men fall head over heels for Helena rather than Hermia, and fight to win her in a well-choreographed, hilarious brawl. Oberon and Puck eventually lift the spells. Lysander and Hermia reconnect; Demetrius decides he does love Helena after all; and Bottom who was transformed into a donkey is returned to human form. The show ends happily with a wedding celebration where the “players” perform the play they prepared for Theseus and Hippolyta.

The cast is comprised of local favorites. Jacob Laitinen commands the stage as Theseus and Oberon; his comic timing is exceptional. Riley Fields as Hippolyta and Titania will draw you in with her inspired performance. It is a treat to watch the chemistry and banter between these two!

The escapades of the four young lovers will leave you smiling from ear to ear. Lilith Kontos (also the show’s director) perfectly captures the spirit of the sweet and feisty Hermia with a superb performance. Teagan Sturmer as Helena is enchanting as she navigates the strange landscape of love and jealousy she faces in the show. She beautifully presents the complicated emotions Helena is grappling with, and you can’t help but empathize with her. Kyle Flickinger gives a delightful, honest portrayal of the love-struck Lysander. Nathan Morgan’s exceptional performance as Demetrius will steal your heart. The uproarious physical comedy of the four young lovers is second to none! Bravo!

The magical, mischievous sprite Puck is deftly played by Brady Skewis. Skewis embodies Puck, and brings a joyful exuberance to this pivotal role. Griffin Pepin aptly tackles the boisterous role of Bottom, and will have you in stitches with his amusing antics.

The characters of Egeus and Peter Quince are enjoyable and distinct in the capable hands of Tanner Parish. Rounding out the top-notch cast are Nick Salin, Riannon Hintz, Callie Reid and PJ Duerksen.

There are only two performances of this must-see show: today and Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Presque Isle band shell. The performances are free to the public. This is an event you don’t want to miss!

Special thanks go to the show’s producer, Shakespeare consultant, and acting coach: Dr. David Wood. This show was made possible by the generous support and donations of Orion Couling, the NMU English Department and the NMU College of Arts and Sciences.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Monica Nordeen is a local performer and director. She also serves on the boards of Lake Superior Theatre, Superior Arts Youth Theater, and Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council.