Shakespeare is never easy to pull off, so it was impressive to watch as six professionals and 20 youth performed A Midsummer Nights Dream at the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre on Friday, with only five days of preparation.
“This is about the process more than the product,” said Miranda Allen after the play. “They were all so keen. I’m very proud of them.”
The production saw 20 children share major roles, or play minor parts in the play. Taylor and Miranda Cound split the role of Helena; while Hailey Christie-Hoyle and Erin Behncke both played Hermia. Grayson Norsworthy played the role of Lysander and four different actors played Puck.
They took part in a five day drama camp last week put on by Edmonton’s Theatre Prospero that culminated in the performance
Miranda Allen, Cliff Kelly, Sarina Sorensen, Kerry Johnson, Calvin Malaka, and Mark Henderson – the five professional cast members from Theatre Prospero – anchored the play, especially in the second half when they performed many of the major roles.
Many of the young actors threw themselves with gusto into the play, which made full use of the theatre. Actors danced and ran down the aisles and even into the audience as they performed Shakespeare’s classic play about love and its compllications. The play has three separate story lines – the plight of two sets of lovers in a magical forest; the world of the Fairy King and Queen, and a group of craftsmen attempting to stage a play of their own.
Allen, who is a graduate of Revelstoke Secondary School, said that working with the youth was fantastic and they all took to the play. The younger kids love the imagery, while the older ones appreciate the story.