Hobnob Theatre brings an enchanting modern twist to ‘Midsummer Night's Dream’
In 1954, Joseph Papp brought the first Shakespeare in the Park performance to Central Park in New York City. Since then, the idea has turned into a movement spanning the United States. This year, Hobnob Theatre Company celebrates a decade of bringing the timeless works of Shakespeare to Butler with its blend of accessibility, artistry and community spirit with their production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Under the adept direction of Elizabeth Smith, the production emerges as a vibrant reimagining, characterized by contemporary wit, pop culture allusions and an intriguingly nostalgic yacht rock soundtrack in the idyllic embrace of an apple orchard at Preston Park in Butler Township.
In the show, the lives of four young Athenian lovers intertwine with a troupe of amateur actors and a cadre of capricious fairies. The action unfolds in a mystical forest, where the fairy king Oberon and his mischievous servant Puck orchestrate a series of romantic entanglements and magical mishaps.
The play culminates in a comical and self-referential performance adding a meta-theatrical flourish to the narrative. The venue itself enhances the work’s ethereal quality, transforming the outdoor space into a world where the boundary between reality and illusion blurs seamlessly.
Ken Smith and Deanna Sparrow have adapted the classic text with clever modernization — weaving updated humor and cultural references into the narrative while preserving the play’s timeless themes of love, magic and mischief.
Elizabeth Smith has her actors double up and triple up on roles, a clever choice that creates an effect of mirroring between the fairy world and our own. Through costuming and acting talent, the characters emerge separate and distinct.
As Oberon, Louis Hutmire embodies the character’s traditional gravitas while lightening it with humor and vulnerability. His portrayal of Theseus exudes regal strength, while his plumber character, Snout, demonstrates a deft touch for humor.
Sparrow excels in her dual roles as Egeus and Titania. Her Egeus is a micromanager, helping to move along the central conflict with a commanding presence, while her Titania is a blend of regal dignity and playful allure. Additionally, Sparrow’s performance as Quince brings a comedic layer that helps to build the overall tone of the production.
Jack Senske’s portrayal of Demetrius, Bottom and the Fairy is marked by dynamic energy and impressive versatility. His Bottom stands out as a highlight, showcasing Senske’s impeccable comedic timing and physicality. The ease with which Senske transitions between roles underscores his range and depth as an actor.
Sarah Altomari and Grant Jones deliver commendable performances, with Altomari’s Hermia and Snug exhibiting a blend of earnestness and charm, and Jones’s Lysander and Flute exhibit exuberance and humor. Their contributions, along with their roles as fairies, amplify the production’s magical aura.
Casey Hoolahan plays Helena and Starveling with admirable nuance and comedic flair. Hoolahan’s Helena is particularly compelling, capturing the character’s vulnerabilities and unrequited affection with poignancy and depth.
Jonathan Hutmire’s Puck is a tour de force of mischievous charm and vocal dexterity especially during musical interludes. His energetic performance adds a palpable sense of roguishness, culminating in a playful and reflective final address to the audience. Jonathan Hutmire’s closing speech, inviting applause as a gesture of approval, offers a delightful meta-theatrical nod to the play’s exploration of illusion and reality.
The play within a play, “Pyramus and Thisbe,” is handled with expert comedic precision. The Mechanicals’ performance, led by Louis Hutmire’s Snout and Sparrow’s Quince, is a hilarious parody that serves as an extra layer of humorous richness to the main narrative.
Hobnob Theatre Company’s adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” emerges as a vibrant and imaginative reworking of Shakespeare’s classic. The energetic performances, innovative modern elements and the intimate orchard setting coalesce to create a theatrical experience that both honors and reinvents the original play. This production, with its blend of contemporary humor and timeless enchantment, offers a magical evening under the stars.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” finishes its run at Preston Park Arboretum on Friday to Sunday, July 26 to 28, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at hobnobtheatre.com or at the park before showtime. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs 90 minutes without intermission.
