‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ @ The Classics Theatre Project
Photos by Kate Voskova
—Rickey Wax
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Shakespeare dropped acid at Woodstock, Jason Craig West’s reimagining of A Midsummer Night’s Dream answers that question. Presented by The Classics Theatre Project in Addison Theatre Center’s studio space, this production takes the Bard’s whimsical romp through love, mischief, and magic and filters it through the kaleidoscope of 1969. The result? A trippy, free-spirited fever dream that feels like tumbling down Alice’s rabbit hole after sipping the infamous “Drink Me” potion.
From the moment the show begins, the tone is set with ‘60s music drifting through the theater, instantly pulling the audience into an era of rebellion, romance, and groovy self-discovery. The transition songs are a particularly smart touch, adding another layer of nostalgia. Audience members hummed along, clearly vibing with the atmosphere.
We open amidst the countercultural energy of Woodstock—a perfect metaphor for the world of the play, where reality blurs, authority is challenged, and love takes unpredictable twists. The young lovers—Helena (played with comedic brilliance by Darcy Doyle), Hermia (the fiery Devon Rose), Lysander (a charming Braden Chavers), and Demetrius (John Cameron Potts, balancing arrogance and vulnerability beautifully)—stumble into the forest, their romantic entanglements growing ever more tangled.
Here, Oberon (Robert San Juan, with the commanding presence of a ‘60s rock icon) and his queen Titania (Isabelle Culpepper, radiating ethereal, bohemian beauty) engage in their own power struggle. But it’s Puck—played with mischievous glee by Ariana Stephens—who steals the show. Stephens brings a wild, unpredictable energy to the role, embodying Puck as a trickster spirit who could easily be a festival wanderer high on the night’s magic. Her playful, almost otherworldly presence makes every moment she’s onstage feel delightfully chaotic. Her Puck is a prankster, just waiting to stir up trouble.
Meanwhile, the infamous play-within-a-play—a hysterically misguided attempt at Pyramus and Thisbe by some working folk Puck calls “rude mechanicals”—emerges as the heart of the evening. This co-production with Cristo Rey Preparatory School in Dallas proves to be a stroke of genius, as the student actors breathe new life into Shakespeare’s most ridiculous troupe. Amelia Helleson (Flute), Malik Martinez (Snout), Ashley Avila Martinez (Starveling), Josue Olvera (Snug), and John Patino (Bottom) play their roles with such boundless energy that they nearly steal the show. Veteran actor Nancy Lamb, as the ever-patient Petra Quince, anchors their antics, giving just the right mix of exasperation and reluctant leadership. Patino’s Bottom, in particular, is a triumph—his over-the-top delivery and commitment to the absurdity make the final act a comedic masterpiece.
What makes this production shine is how naturally the Woodstock aesthetic fits the surreal, dreamlike quality of Shakespeare’s story. The costumes by Devon Rose—flowy pants, bell-bottoms, and plenty of brightly colored patterns—bring the era to life, while Louis Shopen’s swirling, colorful lighting design makes the fairy realm feel like something out of a psychedelic vision. The entire production carries a feeling of spontaneity: anything could happen at any moment. That’s exactly the kind of energy Shakespeare’s most whimsical comedy needs.
Director West (who also designed the set, btw) strikes a great balance between honoring Shakespeare’s language and making it feel fresh, alive, and wildly entertaining. Even those who sometimes shy away from Will’s work will have a hard time resisting the charm of this groovy, magical world. It’s a trip—into a love-fueled, mischievous wonderland where the rules of reality don’t apply.
Do yourself a favor and go along for the ride. Sit back, let the music wash over you, and enjoy the dream.
WHEN: February 12-March 8, 2024
WHERE: 15650 Addison Rd, Addison, TX
WEB: theclassicstheatreproject.com
