The popular Shakespeare comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream opens tonight (Friday June 3). It's outside at St. Dunstan's Greek Theatre on the Cranbrook campus in Bloomfield Hills. Ticket details are at http://StDunstansTheatre.com
Click the video player for JoAnne Purtan's interview on 7 Action News At Noon.
The play was chosen to celebrate the Greek Theatre's 100th Anniversary .St. Dunstan's Theatre Guild says: "you can’t get any closer to the play’s natural setting than the outdoor Cranbrook Greek Theatre." The group says it's one of a few remaining Greek-style amphitheaters in the country.
The story of A Midsummer Night’s Dream features four young Athenians who get lost in the woods and become the playthings of woodland fairies. In true Shakespearian fashion, there are mistaken identities, transformations, and fantastical scenes.
This production is directed by Dan Dobrovich (Livonia), who is the Director of Theatre at Cranbrook Schools. He says, “working at Cranbrook for four years, I have grown a respect and admiration for the history of this place as a whole. We exist in a unique environment every time we step foot onto this campus, wherever it may be. I relish the opportunity to be part of the Greek’s history,"
St. Dunstan’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream features a talented cast of local actors, including Shannon Hurst (Warren) as Helena, Stephanie Peltier (Royal Oak) as Hermia, Joel Hunter (Auburn Hills) as Demetrius, Marcus Laban (Warren) as Lysander, John Boufford (Livonia) as Bottom, Jeremy Rahn (Bloomfield Hills) as Oberon, Liz Schultz (Royal Oak) as Titania, Mandy Bannatz (Novi) as Puck, Daniel Muldoon (Madison Heights) as Peter Quince, Alan Binkow (Troy) as Flute, Hoggie Amare (Troy) as Snug, Jocelyn Ethridge (Eastpointe) as Snout, Michelle Ankoviak (West Bloomfield) as Robin Starveling, David Klecha (Rochester) as Theseus, Christine Kapusky (Canton) as Hippolyta, Andrew McMechan (Birmingham) as Egeus, and Fiona McMechan (Birmingham) as Philostrate. The fairies will be played by Erin Lewand (Royal Oak), Meg Brice, Jessie Newton (Bloomfield Hills), Ronie Kane (Bloomfield Hills), and Arielle Olkhovsky (Commerce).
The show’s creative team includes Director Dan Dobrovich (Livonia), Assistant Director Peggy Lee (Orion Township), Student Director Christian Ziolkowski and Co-Producers Molly Dorset and Paul Dorset (Birmingham). Other key players behind the scenes include Set Designer Tom Edson (Bloomfield), Lighting Designer Obie Burch (Royal Oak), Costume Designers Kathy Shapero (Bloomfield) and Linda Watson (Bloomfield), and sound engineer Chris Steinmayer (Oak Park).
St. Dunstan’s will present A Midsummer Night’s Dream on June 3, 4, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18. Curtain is at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 each for adults and $16 each for students and seniors. Seating is general admission.
For more information or to order tickets, visit www.StDunstansTheatre.com or call 1.888.71.TICKETS.
St. Dunstan's released these answers to popular questions about seeing an outdoor show in the Greek Theatre:
- Where is the outdoor Greek theater?
On the Cranbrook grounds behind the St. Dunstan Theatre Playhouse. Enter through the Lobby of the theater building at 400 Lone Pine Road in Bloomfield Hills.
- What time does the show start?
8:30 pm for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” There are no matinees.
- Are there reserved seats?
No. Open seating. Seating begins at 7:30 pm. The amphitheater holds 400 people, and the view of the stage is good from all seats. The lobby opens at 6:30 pm.
- Do we bring lawn chairs?
No. Do not bring lawn chairs. Wooden seats with cushions and backs are provided at no charge and are placed on the stone rows in the Greek amphitheater.
- WHAT IF IT RAINS???
Every effort is made to perform the show as scheduled. If rain forces cancellation of the show BEFORE it starts, it will be announced on the website: www.StDunstansTheatre.com If there is no announcement of a cancellation, the show will go on as scheduled.
If rain forces the show to be cancelled DURING THE FIRST ACT, rain check tickets good for any remaining performance will be issued to ticket holders at that time. You MUST BE PRESENT to receive a rain check.
If rain forces the show to be cancelled DURING THE SECOND ACT, after intermission, the show is over for that date. There are no refunds.
- I have purchased tickets. Can they be exchanged for a different date?
Yes, if seating is available. Call our local number: 248-737-3587, and leave a voicemail message under Option 4. Or email tickets@StDunstansTheatre.com. Tickets purchased on ShowClix can be exchanged by contacting ShowClix. There is no charge to exchange.
- Where do we park?
Free parking is available across the street from St. Dunstan’s Theatre; in the new Cranbrook House lot on Lone Pine Road just east of the theatre; and in the parking lot at Christ Church Cranbrook, about 1 block east of the theatre. Please allow a few minutes for walking!
- Are concessions available?
Yes, water, pop, and snacks are available for a small donation.
9. May I bring my own beverages or snacks?
Yes, but small quantities out of consideration for other patrons. (There are no picnic facilities)
10. Is the Greek theater handicapped accessible?
Please call 248-737-3587, selection #4.
11. Anything else I should know?
Dress for the weather. Insect repellant is helpful. Restrooms are located in the main theater building.
FOR OTHER QUESTIONS: Patron should phone our local number – 248-737-3587, and leave a voicemail message on Selection #4. We will call back as soon as possible.
