During the weeks leading up to the show, we rehearsed outdoors in the park.  The neighborhood kids came to watch us, some over and over again.  One day, a group of about 5 children sat down to watch us rehearse, and we handed them each a postcard with information about the show.  A few minutes later, a woman walked over (probably their mother), and they all got up and ran to her, waving the postcards at her to tell her about the show.  It was one of many exciting moments when we all felt like our work was inciting new ideas and curiosity in children who have likely never seen Shakespeare before.  A few weeks later, many of the neighborhood kids came back to watch us perform the whole show.

This post is part of a series recounting our amazing summer at Touhy Park on the north side of Chicago.  Feel free to share your summer memories of Midsommer Flight by commenting on this post!

It’s been almost a month since A Midsummer Night’s Dream closed, and as we reflect back on the summer there are many exciting memories to cherish.  We are so incredibly proud of what we accomplished in this first summer in the park!

Over four performances, a total of approximately 270 people came to the show.  Countless others stopped by to enjoy a scene or two before moving on with their dog walking, errands, or playtime in the park.  Our audiences consisted of die-hard theatergoers, Shakespeare fans, interested community members, and many curious neighborhood children.  Our largest audience was about 125 people, and our smallest around 30 people.  That smallest audience was also our most dedicated – they huddled under umbrellas to watch a performance in the rain! 

We set out to have a joyful summer, and indeed we did.  Many members of the community commented about how wonderful it was to have Midsommer Flight in the park, while those who traveled from other parts of the city to see the show commented on how amazing it was to see the neighborhood kids so engaged in our work.  It was a truly rewarding summer!

Many thanks to everyone who helped make the production possible, and to everyone who came out to support Shakespeare in the Park.  There were too many magic moments throughout the summer to recount all of them here, but over the next few weeks we will recount some of them on this blog.  Check back for photos and stories of our summer in the park. 

If you saw the show and wish to share a memory of your own experience with Midsommer Flight this summer, please comment on this post! 

What a fantastic opening weekend!  The weather was positively perfect, and we had great crowds at both performances.  Thank you to everyone who came out and supported free Shakespeare in the park!

Of course, we ourselves know that we have a special show on our hands.  But now you don’t have to take our word for it.  Lauren Whalen of Chicago Theater Beat says,

Thanks to Beth Wolf’s sure direction of a flexible, mirthful ensemble, it’s a fantastic debut production. … Midsommer Flight’s actors are passionate and dedicated – and possess enormous talent to back up their fervor. … When done right, Dream is pure hedonistic fun – and Midsommer Flight does it right. Shakespeare’s language sparkles in the night air, out of the mouths of a clever cast who relishes each syllable. Director Wolf understands the play’s underlying themes: love, spontaneity, fate and heart, delivered with a healthy sense of humor that’s essential to human nature and survival. While scenes are rife with giggly sexual tension, this Dream is not only family-friendly but also a wonderful way to introduce others to Shakespeare. During the show, several casual passersby became engaged audience members, which in and of itself is magic.

Read the entire fabulous review here.  And then come see the show this coming weekend, August 25 & 26 (click here for details).  There are only two chances left to see this incredible show!

Things have gotten busy at Midsommer Flight!  Rehearsals are going well and we are getting ready to open the show this weekend.  Check out the Performances page for show details and to plan your trip to the park.

We are also thrilled to announce our musical guests!  As mentioned in a previous post, live music will begin one hour prior to each performance. The exciting musical guests are the solo guitarist and singer David Fink on August 18, the solo singer/songwriter Clare Adella on August 19, the folk duo Duck and Goose on August 25, and the solo guitarist and singer Morgan Foster on August 26.  Check out our new Music page for photos and biographies of these awesome musicians.

We are so excited to see you all at the show.  Bring a picnic, arrive early to enjoy the live music, and share with us the excitement of Shakespeare in the park!

We are absolutely thrilled to announce the details about our upcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream!

The performances will take place at Touhy Park on August 18-19 and 25-26, Saturdays at 6:00 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM.

We will also have live music beginning one hour prior to each performance.  Come early, bring a picnic, and enjoy this free programming in the fresh air of the Chicago summer!

For more details (including a map and transportation information), please visit our new Performances page.  We can’t wait to see you in the park!