(Credit: Tim Wildsmith / Unsplash.com)
Let’s face it. Shakespeare isn’t easy. Young readers can often have difficulty with the Old English language, trying to make out the true meaning of the famed playwright’s words. Even many adults will still shudder to remember the nightmares of high school literature classes filled with Romeo and Juliet love stories, a man talking to a skull in his hands, and that poor woman trying to get out a “damned spot” of blood.
Thankfully, no one needs to fear the upcoming production of Everybody’s Theater Company (ETC)! The abridged play is only one hour long and is free to enjoy. ETC will put on “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” July 17 to 20 at the Upper Dublin Public Library (UDPL). With shows each evening at 6:45 p.m., the four shows are open to those of all ages. The performances are planned for the outdoor lawn, though will go on rain or shine, as the play will be moved into the auditorium of the library, should weather not cooperate.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of William Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, full of drama, love, magic, and humor,” said India Frazier, the library’s head of marketing and development. The ETC and UDPL will partner in presenting this one-act version of the famed work.
The ETC website describes the play as being about “a feuding king and queen cross paths with four runaway lovers, magical fairies, and a troupe of laborers trying to rehearse a play to perform at the wedding reception of the Duke of Athens and the Queen of the Amazons.”
“As the dispute grows, the magical royal couple meddles with mortal lives, leading to love triangles, mistaken identities, and the complications become fantastically funny,” said the ETC site.
The performances are a part of the Upper Dublin Township’s Celebrate Summer 2024 series of family-focused, free events.
“Our generous sponsors enable us to present barrier-free events so the whole community can come together to celebrate,” said Frazier. Sponsors for the 2024 event include the presenting sponsor, Volvo Cars of Fort Washington. The Music in the Grass sponsor is BLBB Charitable, The Giving Arm of BLBB Advisors. Party on the Lawn sponsors include ACTS, Audi Fort Washington, CM3 Building Solutions, and the Friends of the Upper Dublin Library. Magic in the Air is sponsored by Boles, Smyth Associates, Inc. and D’Huy Engineering, Inc. “Sun-Sational” is sponsored by GKO Architects.
Performances will be held at the UDPL, 520 Virginia Drive, Fort Washington. Reservations are not required, but families are encouraged to come early to enjoy family activities prior to the show. A pre-show begins at 6:15 each night with interactive dance courtesy of ETC performers.
“Bring refreshments, a picnic blanket, and chairs,” requests the ETC website promoting the event. “In case of inclement weather, we’ll move the show inside.”
On Friday, July 19, From the Boot on the Move, a food truck, will be hosted from 5 to 8 p.m., prior and during the show. The truck features red and white pizzas, calzones, drinks, and wings.
On Saturday, July 20, the Kona Ice truck will be on the grounds from 6 to 8 p.m. for the purchase of sweet treats.
