Reviews of A Midsummer Night's Dream
Audience Raves
"Such a talented cast, using so many skills — from physical comedy to interpretive dance to (obviously) Shakespearian verse with contemporary delivery. We were so impressed!"
"The play's the thing! In addition, great ushers, excellent cocktail, great set, good acting, good choreography, creative costumes. Loved the fact that the costumes defined the characters' gender rather than the physical attributes of the actors."
"I loved the inclusivity of casting as well. Each actor seemed perfectly suited for their role."
"The 4 lovers were great- brought new life to characters we’ve seen before, and clearly had built a group connection."
"The best “play within a play” section of MND I’ve seen."
Critic Reviews
"Underneath the spellbinding forest locale – designed by Peter Ksander – four lovers, a bumbling band of theater makers, and a troupe of fiendish fairies bring true magic to life." —Renegade PNW
"The last time I laughed this hard at a live performance was a year ago at the improvisational show Freestyle Love Supreme." —PDX Parent
"Portland Center Stage's fresh take on Shakespeare's comedy is a nimble, playful, genderfluid, and not at all didactic delight." —Oregon ArtsWatch
"It’s the perfect play to send patrons off into summer since the plot focuses on escaping the oppressions of the city by romping freely through an enchanted forest." —WilliametteWeek
In The News
“Sometimes, you do feel like you have to hide an aspect of yourself to acclimate and to assimilate. It feels really nice to be able to just walk in the building and know that wherever I’m at, there will be space held for me.” —Treasure Lunan in an interview with Oregon ArtsWatch
More about A Midsummer Night’s Dream:
Synopsis and Notes on A Midsummer Night's Dream
A little background information and a summary of the play. Contains spoilers!
A Most Lamentable Comedy: The Play-Within-a-Play
Although he may not have invented it, Shakespeare famously employed the "play-within-a-play" in several of his works. See how the Bard used this metatheatrical device in A Midsummer Night's Dream to both reference and parody a classical Ovidian myth.
A Midsummer Night's Dream Reading List
Calling all readers! Multnomah County Library put together a reading list inspired by our production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Current & Upcoming
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Donate to the p:ear Giving Tree
Every winter, youth at p:ear are looking for basic needs such as socks, backpacks, bus tickets, gift cards, art supplies, and other items. The Giving Tree helps p:ear fuel their mission to provide mentoring services to Portland’s homeless and parent-less young people.
Winter Teen Academy: Scene Work
Calling all teens! Are you looking to expand your acting skills and be the best scene partner you can be for your fellow actors? In this class, we will dig deep into scene study, character motivation, and active listening, while learning the necessary questions to ask in every rehearsal situation. You'll develop fuller characters and deeper relationships on stage by partnering in scene work — and have lots of fun too!
Acting Shakespeare: Monologues
Dive into the world of the Bard and explore the excitement of performing Shakespeare!
An Evening with Storm Large
Join us for a very special Portland Center Stage benefit concert, featuring the legendary Storm Large.
Foundations of Improvisation
Looking to expand your knowledge and skills of improvisation? Whether you did theater in high school and want to jump back in, are looking to find creative connections with others, or are a theater professional looking to deepen your training, this course is perfect for you!
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
Season Superstars
Season Supporting Sponsors
