Zach Jung stole the show in Colerain HIgh School's production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Hippies, young lovers and The Beatles’ tunes brought the audience of Colerain High School’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” back to the 60’s. William Shakespeare’s classic comedy of confused lovers, players and fairies was given a fresh concept inspired by The Beatles’ music.

Speaking in Shakespearean English and maintaining a modern feel to the play is not an easy task yet the actors’ performances were executed smoothly. Nick Bottom, also known as the player who is turned into a donkey, was played by Zach Jung and absolutely stole the show. With his natural comic abilities, he had the audience keeling over with laughter. Puck the mischievous yet pure hearted fairy, played by Sydney Sanders, entertained the audience by causing trouble with her enchanting spells.

The players who perform a very comical routine for the royals entertained not only the royals but the many audience members as well. Though at many points, the actors were unable to be heard due to microphone problems they still performed consistently throughout.

It is impossible to overlook the technical aspects of this production because of the detailed work they showcased. The set on stage depicted a beautiful, mystical garden in a wood with real greenery onstage. Brilliantly placed trap doors brought the show to life as fairies appeared from all directions. The sounds of The Beatles played during every scene change and much of their music helped to illustrate and move the scenes further along. Songs such as “Octopus’s Garden,” “All You Need Is Love,” “Help!” and many more crowd favorites filled Colerain’s theater. The players were dressed in hippie attire that clearly depicted the 60’s feel they were all striving for. Also, little references and innuendos in the blocking to The Beatles really kept the audience on their toes and fully engaged in the 1960’s setting.

In all, the clever concept that was added to the play was well executed and consistent throughout the entire show. From the beautiful stories of love to the enchanting magical fairies and amusing players, this comedy clearly showed the audience that all you need is love!

Cecilia Long is a member of St. Ursula Academy’s Cappies, "Critics and Awards Program," the international program that recognizes and celebrates high school theater. Through Cappies journalism students are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools and write reviews. KyPost.com publishes the best of those reviews in support of high school theater. Twenty-three high schools in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky participate in Cappies. For more visit www.cappies.com/cin .