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Midsummer Night’s Dream Begins Friday

By Staff | Jul 28, 2009

Citizens of Athens are, top row from left: Soren Shade, Hannah Rush, Jared Bloom; center: Ashton Wright; bottom: Kristen Arbogast, Angel Kyle, and Haley Hizer.

The finishing touches are being applied to the Wayward Players’ Children’s Theater production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. The classic comedy by William Shakespeare has been adapted for children by Bartolo Cannizzaro, who is also directing. Opening night is Friday at 7 p.m. at the newly air conditioned Lincoln Theater in downtown New Martinsville. Performances will also be held on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Central to the story is Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons, who is portrayed by Hannah Rush. Hippolyta has recently defeated the city-state of Athens in battle and is awaiting her crowning day. There are four young lovers: Lysander loves Hermia, and Hermia loves Lysander. Helena loves Demetrius; Demetrius used to love Helena but now loves Hermia. Egeus, Hermia’s mother, prefers Demetrius as a suitor. Hermia, ever defiant, chooses to escape with Lysander into the surrounding forest. Soren Shade has been cast as Lysander, Jared Bloom will play Demetrius, Kristen Arbogast is Hermia, and Haley Hizer plays Helena. Egeus will be portrayed by Angel Kyle. Philostrate, the Master of Revels (social director, if you will), is Ashton Wright.

“We’ve got a winner on our hands,” remarked Ralph Strippel, Wayward Players president. “The cast and crew have done a bang-up job. This classic lends itself to a children’s performance and the adults will get a big kick out of it, as well.”

Reserved seat tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children (12 and under) and are available at Occasions at 323 Main Street in New Martinsville. General admission tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children (12 and under) and are available at Off The Wall on state Route 2 in New Martinsville and at Occasions.

This event is sponsored locally by Hughes Electric and Hizer’s Turnaround Mini Storage.

Additional support provided by ArtsLink, the New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Department, West Virginia Northern Community College, WETZ/WYMJ Radio, J. C. Mensore Distributor, Inc., Witschey’s Market, RCS Printing, Ohio Valley Screenprinting, Ace Home Center, Riggenbach Tile and Carpet, Weldon’s Office Supplies, and Domino’s Pizza.

The Wayward Players are organized under the auspices of ArtsLink, the arts council for Wetzel and Tyler counties. Proceeds from this performance will benefit the Lincoln Theater and future Wayward Players and ArtsLink projects. Call Donna Earley at the ArtsLink office at 304-455-2278 for additional information. ArtsLink is committed to providing universal accessibility wherever possible. Persons with special needs may contact us at 304-455-2278 to request assistance.