Ripon College theatre department presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ April 4-11

Ripon College’s theatre department is presenting a touring production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” with on-campus performances in the Benstead Theatre in the C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts on Friday and Saturday, April 4-5, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 6, at 1:30 p.m.

The play will tour several Wisconsin high schools, including Neenah on April 8; Green Bay Preble on April 10; and Waupun and Beaver Dam on April 11.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” features four young lovers – Hermia, Lysander, Helena and Demetrius – who find themselves in a magical forest where the fairy king Oberon and his mischievous servant Puck create chaos with love potions.

Ripon College alumna Jessie Lillis ’13, co-founder of Starling Shakespeare Company, is directing the play and said students are ready for the performances to begin.

“The students have had a lot of heavy lifting to do as most of them haven’t done Shakespeare before, but they’re rising to the challenge,” Lillis said. “They’re also all playing multiple roles, which is a new experience for several of them as well.”

Lillis said the students have dedicated a lot of time and effort to this production.

“With any show, you hit a point in rehearsals where the cast is very ready to have an audience – we’re definitely nearing that point, and by the time we open this weekend, I know the students will be itching to get people in front of them,” Lillis said. “I’m especially excited to tour the show to several high schools, as I think the high school students will enjoy seeing how fun and accessible Shakespeare can be.”

Admission is free and open to the public. For reservations, email [email protected].

Cast and roles:

• Corrina Torres: Lysander, Starveling, Mustardseed
• Kinsley Kahl: Oberon, Hippolyta
• Summer Schlieckau: Theseus, Titania
• Dawn Freeberg: Hermia, Cobweb, Snug
• Glitch Beck: Puck, Philostrate
• Benjamin Marn: Demetrius, Flute
• Angelina Bahr: Quince, Peaseblossom, Egeus
• Justine Orvick: Helena, Bottom

(Photo: Kinsley Kahl as Oberon (left), Summer Schlieckau as Titania (right).)