LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!!!

Grab your popcorn and buckle in for a night where lovers clash, magic warps perception, and all the cards are on the table.

The fall play, Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” kicked off its shows on Thursday Nov. 5 in Teves Theater. An ensemble production, the cast of characters consists of three groups: lovers, fairies, and the comic relief. Before the opening, the Explorer took time to see how the preparations were coming along.

All theater plays are not fully ready right until opening. With all her experience in production management, Ms. Heather Radovich has learned not to panic since everything comes together in the last two to three days.

The 1980s set design brings to life the director’s vision, and she enjoyed using shiny material for some of the sets, since the reflective material is such an interesting material to work with. Some costume items that are arriving pretty close to the production date are hats, with one hat needing donkey ears on for actor Jasper who plays Bottom.

No production is without its obstacles. This show has navigated challenges large and small, from casting changes to cuts to rehearsal time when Radovich had to go home early during Monday’s rehearsal due to getting hit by a falling prop.

Radovich is also working with a new director, Daniel Duque-Estrada, in the temporary absence of theater director Patrick Alparone. Duque-Estrada is a Moreau alum from the Class of 1998.

As for why this play was chosen, Duque-Estrada has always wanted to direct “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” He has acted twice in the play, and both he and Radovich felt this was a good play choice that brings an opportunity to have fun with Shakespeare.

Sophomore Prabhnek Singh plays the role of Demetrius. He says he has enjoyed acting as Demetrius and has really enjoyed the time spent with all the other actors. Last year, he was part of the crew and a part of the cast in the spring musical “Urinetown.”

He says he was motivated from his roles last year to be part of the fall play again because of all the fun he had last year. A problem Singh is having is with the Shakespearean language since it is so unique, making it difficult to perform with emotion because of the language.

As for his preparation, Singh is confident and ready to perform. His highlights from rehearsals include vibes, motivation, and confidence. He enjoys that being part of a play allows you to get so close with people around you. Lastly, he discloses that theater always needs more members and would love for students to join.

Junior Kayla Beierly-Dizon plays the role of Helena. She enjoys acting as Helena since her attitude is the opposite of her own. Helena is sad because she’s in love with Demetrius who’s in love with someone else. Initially, Beierly-Dizon auditioned as a fairy; however, once she read the Helena’s monologue during auditions, the directors deemed her the right actor for the part.

A problem she has that she has been struggling with since freshman year is that she talks too fast while acting. She has times when she isn’t confident, but she always reminds herself there is a reason she has this role.

She really enjoys the community, since everyone is funny, very outgoing, and being with them has made her feel less anxious and more open with people. Lastly, she tells the viewers to go see “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and support the theater.

If you want to purchase tickets, here is the link. Don’t miss this fun production, open November 7th, 8th, 13th or 14th.

(Featured photo: Vy Nguyen ’27 rocks out as mischievious trickster Puck in opening night of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”)