Guthrie Theater

March 6, 2008                                                                                                       Press Release #1235

For more information call:
Melodie Bahan 612.225.6140
melodieb@guthrietheater.org
Lee Henderson 612.225.6142
leeh@guthrietheater.org

JOE DOWLING'S LANDMARK PRODUCTION OF

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

TAKES A SEXY, SENSUAL NEW TWIST ON THE SUMMER SOLSTICE

Preview performances begin April 12; Opening April 18;

Playing through June 22

(Minneapolis/St. Paul) More than a decade after its critically acclaimed run, Director Joe Dowling today announced his cast of sexy young lovers and sensual fairies for the return of A Midsummer Night's Dream, his landmark production of Shakespeare's beloved comedy. A glorious celebration of young love and the power of imagination, A Midsummer Night's Dream begins previews April 12 and plays through June 22, 2008. Tickets are priced from $24 to $69 and are on sale through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE and online at http://www.guthrietheater.org/.

In casting Midsummer, Dowling set out to showcase the talents of recent Guthrie Experience (GEx) and University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program graduates. "In the last 10 years, we have developed a large number of really wonderful actors in our BFA and Guthrie Experience programs," said Dowling. "Midsummer is the ideal play for young people, both for those who are performing in it and those who are coming to see it, so I am delighted to have an opportunity to work with these young actors and share their incredible talents with our audiences."

2005 BFA graduates Jonas Goslow (Demetrius) and William Sturdivant (Lysander) pair up with 2007 BFA graduates Kathryn Lawrey (Hermia) and Valeri Mudek (Helena) as four young lovers who venture into the lush and sensual forest, seeking escape from the oppressive tyranny of their parents. In a world populated by exotic and fantastical beings, where fairy rulers Oberon and Titania - GEx actors Nic Few (2006) and Emily Swallow (2003) - are locked in a battle, the mischievous Puck (2006 BFA graduate Namir Smallwood) causes a series of mishaps that lead to some very unusual romantic pairings. Weaving three stories of love, magic and perception in a moonlit forest, Shakespeare's comedy remains an audience favorite.

Led by First Fairy Erin Cherry, a 2000 GEx alum, Sherwin F. Resurreccion and recent BFA graduates Ian Holcomb (2006), Mike Rasmussen (2006), John Skelley (2007) and Brandon Weinbrenner (2007) take flight as foxy fairies in this magical forest of frivolity.

These talented BFA graduates and GEx alumni are joined by some of the area's most-loved performers. Richard S. Iglewski (Tom Snout), Jim Lichtscheidl (Peter Quince), Stephen Pelinski (Nick Bottom), Sally Wingert (Robin Starveling) and Stephen Yoakam (Snug) band together with 1997 GEx alum Randy Reyes (Francis Flute) to form the side-splittingly hilarious team of memorable mechanicals. Nathaniel Fuller (Egeus) serves the royal court of Few, Swallow and Smallwood, each playing double duty as Theseus, Hippolyta and Philostrate, respectively.

Dowling has assembled an all-star creative team to bring a fresh and sexy look to this magical world, reuniting with 1997 designers Frank Hallinan Flood (Scenery) and Paul Tazewell (Costumes). Midsummer newcomers Jane Cox (Lighting) and Scott W. Edwards (Sound) join John Stead (Fight and Aerial Effects Director), who takes the flying fairies to new heights with additional aerial sequences, while composer Keith Thomas updates his hot music beat. Marcela Lorca (Movement), Michael Lupu (Dramaturgy), Andrew Wade (Voice and Language Consultant), Russell W. Johnson (Production Stage Manager), Sarah Gioia (Assistant Director), Michele Harms (Assistant Stage Manager) and Joel Harris (Assistant Fight and Aerial Effects Director) round out the creative team of this truly unforgettable production

About the Guthrie

The Guthrie Theater, founded in 1963, is an American center for theater performance, production, education and professional training. The Guthrie is dedicated to producing the great works of dramatic literature, developing the work of contemporary playwrights and cultivating the next generation of theater artists. Led by Director Joe Dowling since 1995, the Guthrie opened their new three-theater home on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis in June 2006.

The Guthrie is located at 818 South 2nd Street (at Chicago Avenue), in downtown Minneapolis. To purchase tickets or season subscriptions call the Guthrie Box Office between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily at 612.377.2224 or toll-free 877.44.STAGE. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit http://www.guthrietheater.org/.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

DIRECTED BY JOE DOWLING

First preview: April 12, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

Opening Night: April 18, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

Closing: June 22, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.

TICKETS:  Priced at $24.00 - $69.00                                                     

Guthrie Box Office: 612.377.2224
Greater Minnesota: TOLL FREE 877.44.STAGE
Box Office hours: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily
Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.guthrietheater.org/.

Performance Schedule:                       
Tuesday through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 7 p.m.
Matinees on selected Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m.

ASL Performances

Friday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Audio Described Performances

Saturday, May 3 at 1 p.m., sensory tour at 10:30 a.m.
Friday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Pre-Play Discussions

Sunday, April 13 at 5 p.m.

Post-Play Discussions

Saturday, May 3 at 1 p.m.
Tuesday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 11 at 1 p.m.
Saturday, May 17 at 1 p.m.
Sunday, May 18 at 1 p.m.

Shakespeare Classic

A Midsummer Night's Dream - Sunday, June 1 at 1 p.m.
The Shakespeare Classic provides young people ages 8-15 with an opportunity to experience the powerful stories, poetry and imagination of William Shakespeare. Through the Shakespeare Classic, the Guthrie hopes to encourage young people to make play-going and enjoyment of the works of Shakespeare a lifelong activity. The highlight of the day is the matinee performance where all attendees receive a specially prepared play program created for young audience members. Immediately following the performance, the entire audience is invited to a post-play party with the cast for photographs and refreshments.
All tickets $10 (limit 4 tickets per order). Call the Box Office at 612.377.2224.

The Shakespeare Classic is made possible by generous contributions to the Sheila and Kenneth Livingston Fund.

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