Cappies Review: 'A Midsummer Night's Dream-ish' At Meridian High

The following is a Cappies review of the performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream-ish" at Meridian High School on Friday, April 4. The performances were scheduled from April 3 to 5.

By Noah Kirkland of Quince Orchard High School

Grab your sleeping bag, settle in, and prepare to be transported. This isn't your average slumber party; it's a night of enchantment, mistaken identities, and the kind of chaotic fun that only Shakespeare - and a few love-sick teenagers - can deliver. Welcome to Meridian High's A Midsummer Night's Dream-ish!

One of Shakespeare's better-known comedies, A Midsummer Night's Dream, was written between 1595 and 1596. Set in Athens, Greece, four lovers - Hermia, Lysander, Helena, and Demetrius - escape into the woods, pursued by tangled affections. They stumble into the fairy realm, ruled by Oberon and Titania, whose marital spat fuels the night's magic. Mischievous Puck, under Oberon's orders, uses a love potion, causing romantic mayhem, causing Titania to fall for Bottom, hilariously transformed with an ass's head! Get ready for Shakespeare's classic, reimagined as a wild, dreamlike slumber party filled with fairy pranks galore and a few modern quirks.

Eudora Neal delivered a compelling and uniquely modern Helena, filling the character with a palpable sense of frustration and longing. Neal's portrayal was particularly comical in interactions with the staggering Demetrius (Hugo Ratheau) and doe-eyed Hermia (Samantha Grooms), masterfully conveying Helena's vulnerability and desperation, with an underlying goofy energy that added a layer of endearing quirkiness. Neal transformed Helena into a character the audience couldn't help but root for, a teenager navigating the complexities of love and friendship with a heart full of hope.

Abby Berg brought a delightful charm and youthful energy to the role of Lysander, captivating the audience with an engaging stage presence. Berg's performance was marked by a playful sincerity that made Lysander instantly likable, specifically effective in conveying Lysander's passionate devotion to Hermia and his unwavering commitment to their love. Between outstanding physicality and whimsical interactions, Abby Berg brought a vibrant energy to this classic character, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Jack Kreul delivered a side-splittingly funny and utterly captivating performance as Nick Bottom. From his first entrance, Kreul commanded the stage with infectious energy and a natural comedic flair, bringing a level of physical and vocal humor that had the audience roaring with laughter. Kreul's commitment to the character was evident in every gesture, line delivery, and over-the-top expression. He embraced Bottom's inherent silliness with gusto, creating a truly memorable performance.

A true masterpiece of this production were the costumes created by the costumes crew (Fiona Gillapsy, Kira Pike, Anna Goldenberg, and Ainsley Gorman). The innovative decision to utilize pajama-inspired attire lent a distinctive and dreamlike atmosphere to the performance, effectively capturing the play's inherent whimsy. Of particular note was the meticulous craftsmanship and individualized design of each fairy costume. The unique character of every fairy was reflected in their costumes, demonstrating a clear dedication to detail and profound understanding of character development.

Not to be easily forgotten is the pillow fort, with its intentionally disheveled and delightfully haphazard construction, served as a potent symbol of youthful exuberance and the unbridled imagination of the production's Crew. Its chaotic nature added a layer of authenticity and charm, effectively conveying the characters' playful spirit. Complementing the pillow fort was the canopy of sheets, a breathtaking creation meticulously hand-sewn and gracefully suspended by the flies system. This element provided a sense of dreamlike wonder, transforming the stage into a magical realm.

As the final curtain falls on this enchanting slumber party, we awaken from Meridian High's wonderfully wild A Midsummer Night's Dream-ish a little more charmed than before. It was a night of chaotic fun and sweet dreams, proving that a little magic and a lot of heart can make for an unforgettable experience.