By Ron VandenBoom
An elaborate set of forest green, complete with babbling brook, will be the backdrop for one of William Shakespeare's most popular romantic comedies "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
A cast of more than 30 high school thespians will display their varied talents on the stage of Havre High School in this classic production of love and romance with a strong twist of ethereal comedy.
The play will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Oct. 26 and 27, at the Havre High School auditorium. Tickets are available at the door for $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and students.
Visitors attending the play will enter the love struck world of Lysander, played by Sam Soyer, and his love interest Hermia, played by Miklya Veis. They will also see the passionate world of Demetrius, played by Jason Bowker and Helena, played by Kristi Doll.
Midsummer Night's Dream, like most love stories, will not find true love running smoothly. Demetrius and Lysander are both in love with Hermia. Hermia loves Lysander but doesn't love Demetrius. Hermia's father, however, says she must marry Demetrius.
The love struck Hermia and Lysander decide to elope and meet in the forest a magical forest where dark and light fairies play mischievous games on its unexpected visitors.
Helena, who passionately loves Demetrius tells him what Lysander and Hermia are going to do.
That night when Lysander and Hermia meet in the woods Demetrius isn't far behind and Helena isn't far behind Demetrius.
Further complicating the plot are The Rustics a band of would-be actors that are in the woods to rehearse a play a very bad play performed by very bad actors.
The plot thickens as Oberon, king of the dark fairies and played by Dallas Crossley and Titania, queen of the light fairies and played by Sam Pollington, begin to war over a changeling child.
Oberon's dark fairy prankster, Puck, played by Gina Williams, upsets true love's applecart with a magic potion that causes Titania to fall in love with a Rustic dressed up like an ass and Lysander and Demetrius to both fall in love with Helena.
What happens to Hermia? Will true love ever overcome the dark and light forces of the fairy kingdoms?
This complicated love story has more twists than a pretzel and more humor than Three Stooges. It's myriad ensemble of characters interact in a fashion that is uniquely Shakespearian. It is the essence of humor that every guest will immediately identify and enjoy.
Jay Pyette and Grant Olson have directed a mini masterpiece that reaches up form the ethereal world and fills the stage with love, passion, and fantasy to say nothing of unrestrained humor.
They have spared no expense to present its audience with top notch scenery, costumes, and a lively and dedicated cast of characters.
It's guaranteed to be a fun night of entertainment that will to put a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
