The Bard returns to the Andy Griffith Playhouse this weekend as Millennium Charter Academy presents William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Sunday.
Millennium high school students, ages 14 to 16, are the ones who make up the cast and crew.
“Shakespeare is extremely challenging for adults, much less teenagers, but these actors have truly worked hard to understand the story,” said Alicia Merritt, the school’s theatre teacher and director for this play. “This shows through their vividly expressive and creative characterizations. It has been my great pleasure to direct them.”
“I am very excited with the wonderful growth of MCA’s high school theatre program this year and the enthusiastic support within our school community and Mount Airy, as well.”
The play is one of Shakespeare’s comedies, a tale of star-crossed lovers and mistaken identity. There is a play within the main play, along with magical foibles, and serendipitously happy endings.
“This is an extremely talented and multi-faceted group of young adult actors, so the audience is in for a real treat,” said Merritt. “These theatre students already have a theatre award under their belts this school year for Best Overall Physical Comedy from the North Carolina Theatre Conference in Raleigh last November.”
Millennium history teacher Neal Dawes serves as assistant director, and also lends his voice to the show, playing Philostrate and Egeus.
Spanish teacher Loida Slate serves as costume director, while her daughter Anna plays Moth the Fairy. English teacher Paul Rezzo plays Starveling the Tailor and Moonshine.
The Playhouse will feature two performances Sunday: 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The cast is comprised of:
The Magicals: Puck – Lexi Watson, Oberon – Carlos Chichino, Titania – Julia Southern, Peaseblossom – Brooksie Lawson, Cobweb – Travis Watts, Mustardseed – Kaylee Horton, Moth – Anna Peterson;
The Lovers: Lysander – Aidan Woods, Demetrius – Andrew O’ Neal, Hermia – Amy Depetris, Helena – Courtney Busick;
The Royals: Theseus – Henry Richardson, Hippolyta – Alexis Stanley, Egeus/Philostrate – Neal Dawes;
The Mechanicals: Bottom the Weaver/Pyramus – Isaiah Fitzpatrick, Quince the Carpenter – Gavin Young, Snug the Joiner/Lion – Travis Watts, Flute the Bellows-Mender/Thisbe – Brooksie Lawson, Snout the Tinker/Wall – Kaylee Horton, Starveling the Tailor/Moonshine – Paul Rezzo;
Backstage Crew: Jacob Hiatt, Tony O’Rourke, Chris Marsh, Daniel Moore, Giorgia Chapman, Alyssa Collins and Maggie Glenn.
