Oona Murphy
Who knew Shakespeare could look so good in spray tan? The surprising combination of Midsummer Night’s Dream and the pop culture of the Jersey Shore resulted in a success; there was no part of the recent two-hour-long play, put on by Roosevelt’s drama department, during which the audience wasn’t laughing.
The classic lovers were replaced by guidos and guidettes, the magic flower was replaced by an iPhone and there were the additions of beauticians and platform heels, but still Shakespeare’s original story shone through, with the rhyming dialogue, the mischief, and the magic of the fairies all present. Lines from the original Midsummer Night’s Dream were cleverly interspersed with rhyming Jersey slang, and the whole play took place on the boardwalk.
In addition to the well known storyline involving Oberon, Titania, Puck, and the confused lovers, there were humorous side stories concerning the Governor of New Jersey’s wedding and Romeo and Juliet performed by a group of beauticians in hot pink sequins.
Overall the performance was excellent. The actors knew how to put on a great show, from their grand movements to their thick Jersey accents. The clever dialogue provided by writer Ken Ludwig made for an entertaining evening built from a trusted classic with many new twists.
@ROOSEVELT_NEWS
I am happy to hear such an ‘outside of the box’ idea had a chance to shine. I now regret going to the basketball game instead!
Mid summer night’s dream is such a good drama. I have performed in Mr. K’s class last year. I hope to see them in the theather!!