Many theater lovers do not realize the many themes the William Shakespeare combined to create one of the most performed plays in western drama. The Elizabethans' profound belief in the fairy world, the parodies of the foolish lengths mortals and immortals go through in their obsessive pursuit of love, along with the challenges of parents trying to guide their teenage offspring are universal themes, written with wit and wisdom.
Festival artistic director Richard Monette uses this popular classic to showcase his impish sense of humor, and his big-budget production provides strong visual appeal in costuming, lighting and the theatricalized forest scenes. Melodic original music and original songs create effective fantasy scenes to this highly-entertaining production. The cast is drawn from a company made up of some of the finest classical acting talents in North America. The joy they bring is led by the multi dimensional performance of Brian Bedford, playing Bottom.
As one of the six simple-minded but loyal Athenian craftsmen, rehearsing a theatrical entertainment to honor the Duke of Athens' birthday, Bottom epitomizes every amateur actor whose egocentricities are universally recognized. His scenes, with and without the sorcered ass's head, are hilarious. The Broadway star and 18-year festival veteran can do no wrong. Steven Sutcliffe as Quince, Steve Ross as Snug, Keith Dinico as Snout, Tim MacDonald as Starveling and Michael Therriault as Flute, deliver brilliantly-assured performances. However, Juan Chioran (a smash as the title role in Dracula, the semi-operatic musical which had its world premiere during this year's festival) as Oberon, King of the Fairies, and Sean McKenna, a popular Canadian stage star, as Titania, Queen of the Fairies, play their roles with a surprising lack of luster.
Michelle Giroux proves a comedic discovery playing free-spirited Helena, competing with the lovely Hermia for Demetrius's affections. Graham Abbey (Lysander) is an actor to watch.
Juan Chioran (Oberon) and Jordan Pettle (Puck) in the 1999 Stratford Festival production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream".
