A Midsummer Night's Dream

Shakespeare comes to Fairburn
In the middle of the November cold, Langston Hughes High School begins its inaugural season with a little bit of summer. From November 13^th through the 15^th, LHHS Theater will present William Shakespeare’s, A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Kirsten VanWagner. One of Shakespeare's most popular works, it is a tale of star-crossed (and uncrossed, and criss-crossed) lovers, domestic disputes in the kingdom of the fairies, and an amateur theatrical production who's leading player is truly a “jack-ass”.

Hermia (Madeline Livingston) has two suitors: Lysander (Ryan Russaw), who she loves, and Demetrius (Trey Divens), who has her father's (Giovanni Montepeque) blessing. The Duke of Athens (Thomas Springer) rules that she must adhere to the laws of Athens and choose: Demetrius, life as a nun, or death. Lysander and Hermia run off, followed by Demetrius, who, in turn, is pursued by his former lover, and Hermia's childhood friend, Helena (Benisha Robinson).

Then, things get complicated.

The forest is ruled by Oberon (also played by Ryan Russaw) and Titania (Melissa Hansen), two fairies embroiled in a battle over custody of a human boy. Oberon directs his faithful servant Puck (Julian Miller) to retrieve a flower for use as a love potion. Originally intended for Titania, through a series of schemes and mistakes it also causes the lovers' knot to become further tangled.

Also in the woods happens to be a group of local craftsmen (Byron Baker, Richard Smith, Brent Partridge, Terrance Matthewson and Jordana Connelly) rehearsing a play, the most enthusiastic of which, Bottom (Jordan Walker) finds himself turned a bit long in the ears and becoming the drugged Titania's paramour.

And once again, things get even more complicated.

Krystal Williamson, Shannan Case, Cierra Cooper and Shara Parker round out the cast as fairies, and members of the royal court.

A Midsummer Night's Dream plays at Langston Hughes High School, located off of Hall Road in Fairburn, with performances November 13 and 14 at 7:30 pm, and a 3:30 pm matinee on November 15. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students/seniors.

Advanced tickets are available at a discounted price. During the week of November 1^st through 7^th, tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students/seniors. Tickets are available at Langston Hughes during school hours or by calling 770-774-3620, ext. 225. More information can be found by visiting LHHS's website at www.langstonhugheshigh.org .