Vanguard Rep’s Shakespeare Fest Like No Other

By Michelle R. Brown

VanguardRep staged a modern twist on Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” flying above expectations and giving the audience a true rarity: a modern play to rival the original. Most dialogue stayed true to Shakespeare, and the added quirks and modernized characters brought light and energy to a very confusing play.

This version was a further adaptation of last year’s performance, and though I did not see the previous play, one can imagine the value of spending two years perfecting a piece. The characters were well thought out and developed, and the caricatures were not overdone but played on each actor’s strengths and weaknesses to create a reflective piece about modern personality types.

The atmosphere was lovely; the Flintridge Sacred Heart Byrne’s Amphitheatre was the perfect setting. The play began as the sun was setting, and groups cozied up along the concrete landings with blankets and wine, and the sound of fireworks rung out from the distance. The soft lighting of the play and Puck’s gentle music created a very romantic atmosphere perfect for couples, families, or individuals to get caught up in the romantic dramedy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream

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