Synopsis
In this one-act adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream—winner of the Texas UIL state championship and a featured play at the Houston Shakespeare Festival—Cecil Pickett shows his knack for knowing what to include and what to leave out of the original Shakespeare text without jarring transitions, awkward changes of character, or disrupting blackouts. We see and clearly understand the family spat between Oberon and Titania and the manner in which this conjugal disagreement affects the efforts of a group of tradesmen rehearsing a play. We delight in the antics of the mischievous Puck. We laugh at the ineptness of the Rustics in trying to stage their play. We chuckle at Bottom's desire to play every role—and we howl with delight at Bottom's ass's head and Titania's infatuation with the monster. Pickett's adaptations are arranged with the play script on the right-hand page and corresponding detailed stage directions and suggestions on the left-hand page. Audiences fortunate enough to see a Pickett-directed play are always enthralled by the style, the grace, the charm and the choreographed movement. A sense of charm and grace are key in certain scenes: when Puck wafts glitter through the air to the tinkling accompaniment of bells, when Titania's fairies carry her in on a palanquin with choreographed style and when Oberon stops action with flowing gestures. This graceful style is especially effective when it is rudely interrupted by the boorish, earthy, plodding Rustics.
Notes
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Details
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Status
In stock
- Type of Show One-act Play
- Product Code MM3000
- Cast Size 10
- Min. Royalty Rate $40/perf
- Cost $9.95
- Approx. Run Time 35 min
Categories
- Target Audience Middle School | High School | Family (all ages)
- Performing Group Middle School | High School
- Genre Comedy
Customer Reviews
- "... hilarious and really visually stunning."
- Review by Lynn Parrish, Broaddus High School, Broaddus, Texas
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"This is a great cutting that establishes the foundation for the story and moves it along at a fun pace with well-loved lines. The Mechanicals are a highlight that's fun for both the actors and the audience. This one-act was a great choice for a virtual production.
" - Review by Regina Neville, Valley View Middle School, Edina, Minn.
- "This is a wonderful script. A great way to give students a chance to perform Shakespeare when your rehearsal time is limited."
- Review by Terry German, Columbia High School, West Columbia, Texas
Productions
Location | City | State | Opens | Closes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Gary School | Gary | Texas | 11/8/2024 | 12/7/2024 |
Twin Valley High School | Elverson | Pennsylvania | 1/3/2025 | 1/3/2025 |
LISD Jesus Martinez Performing Arts Complex | Laredo | Texas | 2/25/2025 | 2/25/2025 |