By Daphne Kleinschmit
The Guthrie delivers a modern, magical, and electric take on Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
The show kicks off with a lively song by Royer Bockus (Helena), instantly setting a romantic tone. Audience interaction followed as a volunteer shared their love story, which created an intimate moment and connection with the crowd. The moment was later turned into a song, creating a heartwarming conclusion to the show. This interaction added a unique and touching element, making it a perfect start and ending to a production.
The set design is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant, flourishing pink and white flowers immersing the audience in the magical world of Shakespeare. The attention to detail was incredible. The forest set piece was breathtaking, with moss-covered stone, and vibrant flowers, all blending to create an enchanting woodland scene. Giant, dangling flowers that opened and rotating set pieces added technical brilliance, and the eye-catching rotating moon stood out as an ever-present, mesmerizing element that enhances the ethereal quality of the play.
The set not only was beautiful but technically impressive. Isabella Byrd’s lighting design perfectly complemented the stage, and Jack Herrick’s live sound production heightened the whimsical and sometimes chaotic nature of the play. Lighting, sound, and staging are used effectively to shift between the setting of Athens to the wild fairy world and each element was used to its fullest potential.
The comedy and acting in the show were top-tier. The physical comedy left the audience erupting with laughter and the incorporation of modern jokes kept the younger audience engaged. The cast and crew did a fantastic job of altering the original play to update it. The musical elements were wildly entertaining, infusing the production with vibrant energy. After intermission, a musical number featuring impressive vocals and dancing moved the performance to new heights. The actors captured the essence of young love, perfectly portraying its chaos and excitement.
The costume choices presented an interesting contrast. The fairy costumes were perfect – whimsical, charming, floral- but the costumes for the characters from Athens felt out of place. The King and Queen were dressed in classic Athens attire with beautiful white and gold gowns, while the young lovers were dressed in modern attire which didn’t fit the historical timeline of ancient Athens. This creative choice may be intentional but feels disconnected from the overall aesthetic of the play.
The Guthrie’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a triumph of design, technical ability, and comedic brilliance. The combination of a stunning set, standout performances, and innovative audience interaction makes this production an absolute delight. Whether you’re a longtime Shakespeare fan or a newcomer to his work, this production offers an accessible, engaging, and utterly magical time at the theater.
Daphne Kleinschmit is a junior at Columbia Heights High School. This review was produced as part of Journalism Day at The Guthrie, hosted by the Journalism Educators of Minnesota (JEM), and was awarded Honorable Mention.
