A Midsummer Night’s Dream
10th Anniversary Summer!

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Producing Artistic Director Beth Wolf

July 15 – August 21, 2022

Performed outdoors at Lincoln Park, Gross Park, Lake Meadows Park, Chicago Women’s Park and Garden, and Touhy Park

Named the #1 Top Rated Play on Theatre in Chicago in August 2023!

Fresh Take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The show was featured on the WBEZ and Sun-Times websites with this fabulous feature story!

Named a favorite theatre production of 2022 by Third Coast Review!

Reviews

The crowd, close to 100 people by my estimation and incredibly engaged, was compelling proof that free summer Shakespeare continues to bring communities together around art that stands the test of time. The reason it stands the test of time? Strong, diverse casting by casting director Karissa Murrell Myers and accessible, entertaining interpretation by director and company founder Beth Wolf. The large cast masterfully employs modern body language and vocal intonation to convey the meaning behind Shakespeare’s prose, helping the audience toward a more intuitive and visceral experience. RECOMMENDED.
– Marisa Oberlander, Chicago Reader, 07.20.2022

A special treat and beyond similar stage fare! Midsommer Flight celebrates its 10th anniversary season with an excellent free production of Shakespeare’s magical, musical rom-com in five Chicago city parks this summer….Midsommer Flight performs in natural sunlight and without amplified sound, just as in the Bard’s day four centuries ago. Beth Wolf’s sharp direction, talented cast and script adaptation brings Dream in at about 100 minutes with no intermission. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
– Nancy S. Biship, Third Coast Review, 07.19.2022

Under the direction of Beth Wolf, the production is lean (running just a bit over ninety minutes), large, and altogether the stuff of a wonderful summer night out in Chicago’s parks…. This, true to the company’s mission, is accessible Shakespeare. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
– Christine M. Malcom, Talkin’ Broadway, 07.16.2022

Midsommer Flight’s production of this old favorite was particularly enchanting. Their mission is evident in its delightfully diverse cast and their success eminently warranted by their talent and craft. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
– Sarz Maxwell, Buzz Center Stage, 07.31.2022

What a delight it is to sit on the grass and watch this talented, diverse troupe of actors perform one of Shakespeare’s most popular and accessible comedies. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
– Mary Wisniewski, NewCity Stage, 07.29.2022

Gallery

Photo credit: Steven Townshend, Distant Era Photography

Cast and Crew

Top Row L-R: Richard Eisloeffel (Lysander), Meredith Ernst (Titania/Hippolyta), Barry Irving (Quince/Egeus) Koshie Mills (Helena)
Second Row L-R: Jack Morsovillo (Bottom), Ebby Offord (Puck), Joshua Pennington (Oberon/Theseus), Elizabeth McAnulty Quilter (Snout/Mustardseed; u/s Puck)
Third Row L-R: Rocco Renda (u/s Quince/Egeus; u/s Bottom), Myah Seay (u/s Helena; u/s Starveling/Peaseblossom), Manny Sevilla (Demetrius), Travis Shanahan (Flute/Moth)
Fourth Row L-R: Hannah Mary Simpson (Snug/Cobweb; u/s Titania), Martin Tebo (u/s Demetrius; u/s Snout/Mustardseed; u/s Snug/Cobweb), Alice Wu (Hermia), Kat Zheng (Starveling/Peaseblossom; u/s Hermia)
Fifth Row: Cameron Nalley (u/s Lysander, u/s Flute/Moth)

Production Staff: Beth Wolf (Director, Producing Artistic Director), Nina Castillo-D’Angier (Scenic/Props Designer), Justin Cavazos (Composer/Music Director), Devin Christor (Assistant Director), Giselle Durand (Season Production Manager), Lane Anthony Flores (Text Coach), Hazel Marie Flowers-McCabe (Stage Manager), Amy Malcom (vocal coach), Karissa Murrell Myers (Casting Director), Chris Smith (Fight Director), Lily Grace Walls (costume designer), Maureen Yasko (Intimacy Director), and Anna Zaczek (Assistant Stage Manager)

Midsommer Flight is a proud Arts Partner with the Chicago Park District and presented the show as a part of the city’s 10th anniversary of Night Out in the Parks.