A Midsummer Night's Dream
August 01, 2007
By Melinda Schupmann

The preeminent stars here are the set, lights, and sound effects. Fortunately they are followed closely by an animated company incontestably enjoying every moment on the stage. Director-scenic designer Joe Hufferd's Ionic-columned Greek temple serves the actors well, blending scenes of city and forest as the action proceeds. Using doors and stairs, Puck (Eric Larson), a hirsute Oberon (Ryan Young), and fellow fairies oversee the results of their mischievous chicanery, as the young lovers -- Helena (Candice Berge), Hermia (Lindsay Lusk), Lysander (Devin Kasper), and Demetrius (Rob Downs) -- struggle along the path to true love.

Producer Brian Newell and Hufferd's inspired compilation of movie scores plus ambient pops and chirps, delivered throughout, make notable sound contributions, providing suspense, romance, and whimsy. Jim Book's lighting design also enhances the story line with bright or mellow surroundings. Heidi Newell's costumes are simple but effective.
 

Hufferd's direction is solid, as the large group of Athenians, mechanicals, and fairies support one another, creating a mystical atmosphere. In particular, Downs and Kasper are notable combatants as they duke it out for the love of Helena. Lusk and Berge are excellent.

Also worthy of good laughs are the characterizations of Oberon, kindred to Harry Potter's Hagrid, and Bottom (Enrique Munoz), a jovial and hearty fellow, whose scenes enliven the show.

As always, one of the highlights of the comedy is the rude mechanicals' staged production of Pyramus and Thisbe for Theseus and Hippolyta's nuptials. Ernest Lee as the Tinker makes an excellent wall, and an alert Chihuahua joins the Tailor (Donny Van Horn) to watch the proceedings with patience and interest. This play has always been a favorite summer production, and the folks at the Maverick deliver it with panache.