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The Arts at VWU Presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” By William Shakespeare
Performances are scheduled for April 3 – 6 in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center
University News | March 27, 2025
Virginia Wesleyan Theatre and Music are immersed in preparations for the spring production of the Shakespeare classic, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” They are rehearsing daily to present a non-traditional spin that includes a unique retelling of the play. Performances, filled with magic, mischief, and mayhem, are scheduled for Spring Alumni Weekend: April 3, 4, and 5 at 7:30 p.m. and April 6 at 2 p.m. in the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.
Prior to the Saturday, April 5, performance, VWU Arts will host an Arts Gathering for alumni, faculty, staff and students from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in the Watts Lobby to view student art work and listen to student musicians before the show. This event is open to ALL alumni as well as the general public.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” one of Shakespeare’s most popular and widely performed plays, is a comedy written sometime between 1595 to 1596. Set in Athens, the play consists of several subplots that revolve around the marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta. Characters in the play find themselves in a forest inhabited by fairies who manipulate the humans and are engaged in their own domestic intrigue. With about 30 VWU theatre productions under her belt, the play is directed by Professor of Theatre Sally Shedd.
“We’ve never done a collaboration with the music program quite like this,” notes Shedd. “The VWU a cappella group Vox Vera is playing the fairies. It’s a unique spin on Shakespeare’s classic. Visually, the show is bright and colorful and we’ve updated the music in the show to include modern tunes such as the Beatles’ “Blackbird,” “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac and “Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay.”
Dr. Shedd says that auditions for the show were held during the first week of the spring semester. Rehearsals began the next week and the cast and crew have been preparing for 12 – 15 hours per week since then.
The roles played by the talented and enchanting cast and crew include:
Puck: Annie O’Shea
Oberon: Amanda Battle
Titania: Erin Andrews
Theseus: Liam Davis
Hermia: Brianna Massenburg
Lysander: Micah Lister
Helena: Julia Logue
Demetrius: John Post
Hippolyta: Amalia Houff
Egeus: Kirkland Butler
Nick Bottom: Grant Williams
Peter Quince: Deanna Clark
Francis Flute: Quinton Coleman
Robin Starveling: Liese Hazelwood
Snug: Sanaiya Butler
Tom Snout: Anna Greenleaf
Philostrate: Alonso Abram
Fairies: Jordan Cralle, Aviana Medina, Mary (Molly) Brennan, Caroline Tovar, Miles Pifer, Jacob Underwood, Aidan Foley, Darius Mack, Tyler Barnett, Isaac Awogboro
The Attendants: Anzu Taguchi, Brandyn Davis
Lighting Designer: Emily Lutz
Stage Managers: Ollie Long and Jocelyn Rowe
Costume Designer: Ella Birmingham
Dramaturg: Emma Wehr
Props Manager: Jocelyn Kaelin
Don’t miss the chance to see the fairies groove a cappella and experience a visual vibe that can only be described as "far out, man!” This spring production promises to be full of peace, love, and (mis)understanding!
Reserve your ticket to A Midsummer Night’s Dream today! Admission is complimentary for VWU students, faculty and staff.