When faced with the task of selecting a show for his Advanced Drama class this semester, there was no doubt in Blue Ridge High School theatre teacher David Holland's mind that Shakespeare's classic tale of mischievous sprites, misplaced love, and an acting troupe trying way too hard would be the perfect offering.
Opening on Friday, April 26, at 7 p.m., followed by matinee (2 p.m.) and evening (7 p.m.) performances on Saturday, April 27, Theatre at the Ridge’s production of "A Midsummer Nights Dream" uses the classic text to, in part, spoof popular teen soap operas that can be seen on such networks as the CW, ABC Family and The N.
Beyond the opening credits and gag commercials, performers will take part in active and live theatre experimentation, demonstrating such theories as Anne Bogart’s Viewpoints of Movements and Action, Laban’s approach to movement and dialogue, and Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed, which works to break the audience out of passive observance of a theatrical performance and into active involvement.
Tickets are $5 at the door and can be reserved in advance starting next week by emailing David Holland at [email protected].
A free CD soundtrack featuring such independent acts as local singer/songwriters Jacob Johnson and Donnie Blackwell and iTunes up-and-comer Kim Edwards will be given to the first 200 patrons.
All attendees are asked to be prepared to Harlem Shake when prompted during the performance.