Under the direction of NIU theatre student Christie Coran, local youths will perform a shortened version of William Shakespeare’s classic comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” this Friday and Saturday, June 14-15 in the Black Box Theatre at DeKalb High School.
Coran, who is going into her senior year as an acting major at NIU, studied theatre last fall in Russia at the Moscow Art Theatre School (MXAT).
“Studying in Russia was a turning point for me,” said Coran, who says she will use much of what she learned at the MXAT in this production of ‘Midsummer.’ “The theatre there is very physical– there’s a vitality, a vividness, a strength to it. Every single moment is exciting and alive. And that was what I wanted these young actors to experience.”
Coran adapted the script herself, shortening Shakespeare’s original text into an hour-long show. “I wanted our ‘Midsummer’ to be accessible to young audiences. I have such magical memories of seeing this play when I was little, and I wanted to offer that magic to the children of our community.” Christie is joined in co-directing the production with her brother, Calvin, who is also an undergraduate theatre student at NIU.
The role of Oberon will be played by Alex Riley; and Titania, queen of the fairies, will by played by Izzy Hepker. Lysander will be played by David Boyer, and Matthew Johnson will play Demetrius. Olivia Holloway-Racine will play the role of Hermia, and Eliza Coran will play Helena. Gracia Watson will play the role of Philostrate, and Peter Quince will be played by Lauren Brazeau.
The role of Theseus, Ruler of Athens, will be played by Clarke Doig, and Egeus the Mother of Hermia will be played by Brittany Moudy. The role of Nick Bottom will by played by Brooks Coran, and Thisby will be played by Marc Thompson. Sandra Brown will play Tom Snout, and the role of Changeling Child will be played by Maria Holloway-Racine and Clara Coran.
Performances will be this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm in the new DeKalb High School Black Box Theatre. “It’s a beautiful venue,” says Coran. “We’re very fortunate to get to use such a state-of-the-art facility.” Tickets are $5 for children and $8 for adults, and are available at the door one hour prior to curtain. For more information, visit www.annextheatrecompany.org.
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