Midsummer Night’s Dream
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| The cast, photo by Molly Jay Photography |
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Grant Sorenson
Review by Ernest Edwards
This production of Midsummer Night’s Dream lives up to its description. It’s something messy, sexy, and very gay. I was here for every single minute of it!!!
The play is presented with a small cast of six male actors who play all the roles. Way back in Shakespeare’s time, only men were allowed to act on stage. The roles are parsed out very evenly amongst this talented cast.
This production runs for about one hour and fifty minutes with no intermission. It’s mostly the entire story
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| David Mitchell (Hermia), Bryce Baxter (Lysander), Leo Rossmiller (Demetrius), Jonathan Edwards (Helena) Photo by Molly Jay Photography |
To get the to stage, you have walk down the alley behind 901 North Third Street, Minneapolis, which is part of the North Loop neighborhood. Then enter through a large garage door. Inside is a thrust stage, flanked by metal risers on three sides. The cast makes good use of every square inch of this performance space. For this productions there is also popcorn, beverages and temporary tattoos all available.
If you are familiar with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, you know there are fairies, and a play within a play. Midsummer Night’s Dream elevates those moments. I really liked how the fairy scenes were accomplished on stage. The transformation of Bottom was not what you typically see. He comes out transformed with clear acrylic high heels, a donkey sized sex toy strapped in a certain location, and at times he has a ball gag. And when he lays on his back on Titania’s bed, the compass hilariously points north. If you know what I’m saying.
We all know A Midsummer Night’s Dream is the magical Shakespeare play. Who knew Shakespeare could be
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| David Mitchell (Oberon) photo by Molly Jay Photography |
This play was everything it was described to be and more. The play within the play about Pyramus and Thisbe, is normally he funniest part of the whole play. It definitely was in this production. It’s also over the top. One of the most outlandish versions I have ever seen of Pyramus and Thisbe. I don’t know if anyone will ever be able to top this version.
This cast deserves a lot of recognition. They are definitely working up a sweat with this production. The cast consists of Bryce Baxter, Jonathan Edwards, David Mictchell, Richard Rigmaiden, Leo Rossmiller, Kashif Shakti, and Jack Bechard. They all share their stage and they all have their moments to shine.
This is the second production I have seen directed by Grant Sorensen this year. I can wait to see what he directs next.
The play continues through June 20, 2026. Check out www.dreammpls.com for tickets.
