Offering Free ‘Midsummer’ Shows is a Dream Come True for CST

It’s been a large undertaking for a small theatre in downtown Valparaiso, but the potential benefit to the community is well worth it.

A year in the making, Chicago Street Theatre will present two free performances of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Porter Health Amphitheater at Central Park Plaza on Friday, July 13, and Saturday, July 14.

Shakespeare in the Park was an idea born decades ago but put into action last year with the opening of Central Park Plaza.

Bringing live art to the community is a concept that the theatre has dreamed about, but with the lack of a large local outdoor venue, it remained a dream. The new downtown amphitheater, which opened in August 2011, awakened the possibility.

“It was a vision of ours to one day be able to work at an outdoor venue and possibly be someone’s first experience seeing Shakespeare’s plays,” says Eric Brant, co-director of the production. “I’m excited that we’re doing it in the brand new Central Park Plaza and showcasing how professional our work at Chicago Street Theatre is.”

Shakespeare in the Park will not only offer the free play, but a complete Shakespearian experience with a yard show and street festival beginning at 6 p.m. both nights. Valparaiso restaurants will offer food, beer, and wine under a large tent adjacent to the park.

Brant, who has experience directing Shakespeare Workshops and who also acted in the play in the 1990s, explains that in addition to the free performances, the show will move back to the theatre for two additional weekends July 20-22 and 26-28. Adjustments will need to be made, but he and Co-Director Steve Holm and Assistant Director Mary DeBoer are trying to streamline operations as much as possible.

“We’re creating a traveling set that will be used at both the park and the performances at Chicago Street. We also have different sound and lighting aspects in the two very different venues. Chicago Street is such an intimate space to see the show, and our actors won’t have to push their performances as big as they will have to at the park.”

Brant says the play is entertaining for the whole family, especially in the park setting. His modern interpretation will keep things interesting.

“Because Shakespeare’s work is so timeless and universal, we as directors like placing his plays in unique periods and styles. (Costume Designer) JoBeth Cruz and I are both huge fans of a genre of science fiction called “steam punk”, which merges Victorian garments with the mechanical hardware of the industrial revolution. So, the show will have the look of the 19th century with some funky and rocking twists.”

Even though Brant seems to be meeting himself coming and going in preparation for this large event, he is walking on air.

“This is a dream opportunity to showcase how culturally cool Valparaiso is and the importance of the arts in our community. “

Kelly Hite, Chicago Street’s director of development and coordinator of Shakespeare in the Park, conducted a search for live arts performances in the region and found only one offering a free live play, bringing to light the importance of such an event.

“In this digital age, theatre is a precious and unique art form,” says Hite. “This will allow families, young and old, to come together downtown for a free event showcasing a beautiful piece of classic theatre.”

The Cast:

• Hippolyta, Barb Malangoni, Valparaiso
  
• Hermia, Jasmine Lake, Michigan City
  
• Helena, Kelsey Dougherty, Valparaiso
  
• Titania, Daena Sisk, Valparaiso
  
• Peaseblossom, Carly Smith, Valparaiso
  
• Cobweb, Jessica Howe, Portage
  
• Mustardseed, Mary Bird, Chesterton
  
• Theseus, William Carns, Valparaiso
  
• Egeus, Peyton Daley, Michigan City
  
• Lysander, Karl Berner, Valparaiso
  
• Demetrius, Charlie Scanlon, Portage
  
• Puck, Jason Kaplan, Hobart
  
• Oberon, Aram Arden, LaPorte
  
• Nick Bottom, Jordan Chaddock, Valparaiso
  
• Tom Snout, Jim Drader, Valparaiso
  
• Philostrate, Kevin Doran, Valparaiso
  
• Rude Mechanicals: Glenn Silver, Hobart; Rodney Thornton, Hobart; Patrick Morley, Chesterton; Dan Matern, Chesterton
  
• Ensemble: Niki Tisma, Valparaiso; June Saavedra, Valparaiso; Dianne Lorenzo, Valparaiso; Darrell Hobson, Valparaiso

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Show Schedule

• Friday, July13 @ dusk
  
• Saturday, July 14 @ dusk
  
• Friday, July 20 @ 8 p.m.
  
• Saturday, July 21 @ 8 p.m.
  
• Sunday, July 22 @ 2:30 p.m.
  
• Thursday, July 26 @ 8 p.m.
  
• Friday, July 27 @ 8 p.m.
  
• Saturday, July 28 @ 8 p.m.

Prices

• FREE July 13-14 in the Park
  
• CST Seating July 20-28
  
  • Adult tickets $18
    
  • Seniors (62+) $15
    
  • Students (21 and younger) $15
    
  • Veterans $15

Call (219) 464-1636, Ext. 1 for tickets or purchase online at “Buy Tickets” tab.