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11/27/2015 02:53 PMThey’ve traded the classic woods of the enchanted forest for a fairy-filled tropical jungle; and sprinkled in Calypso music, Jamaican folk songs, and even a Bob Marley tune. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Dec. 3, 4, and 5, a mystical, musical, and island-themed version of Shakespeare’s comedic play A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes the Branford High School (BHS) stage.
BHS AP English teacher Maria Ogren has been directing the school’s fall plays since 1971. Through the years, several productions have brought the Bard to Branford, including two past takes on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Ogren devised the idea of staging an island interpretation of the classic tale this summer.
“I wanted to have this year’s play set in the tropics,” says Ogren. “Shakespeare’s The Tempest is set in the Bahamas, but I love the comedy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and so many kids at this school have read the play and know it. It’s a part of the curriculum at Walsh Intermediate School, too.”
The BHS Dramat cast of 33 players challenged themselves to master Shakespearian speech to help bring the play’s classic characters to life. The cast also does double duty by performing the BHS production’s island-style songs and showing up in other surprises on stages (including a New Orleans-style funeral procession). Many of the costumes weave in with the set’s island-themed scenery that’s “simple, but striking,” said Ogren. Ogren is directing the production with assistance from BHS English teacher John Matthiessen.
The addition of a few tropical tunes, backed by student-powered steel drums and other lively percussion, add just the right note to this enchanting tale of love and confusion. After all, this is a place where fairies and Amazons share the land with the likes of the Duke of Athens and a Donkey-headed actor named Bottom.
The play’s production value stays true to the exceptional BHS fall plays that loyal Branford audiences have come to expect—and come out to support—each year. Tickets are available at the door and cost just a nominal fee to help support the BHS Drama Club.
“We’ve raised the level of these performances through the years,” said Ogren. “We couldn’t do it without the support of our audiences, the hard work of the cast and crew, and the support of our parents.”
Branford High School (BHS) presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Dec. 3, 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the BHS auditorium, 185 East Main Street. General seating tickets are available at the door. For more information, visit www.branfordhigh.org and under Clubs & Activities click on “Stage Door.”