Cabrillo Playhouse’s contemporary rendition of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream‘ delights audiences with it humor in an intimate setting.
(lt to rt) Oberon (Jae La Rosa), Puck (Lisa Stout), Titania (Caitlin Zinn) and Bottom (Thomas McNeil) in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ performing now through March 23, 2025, at Cabrillo Playhouse.
Cabrillo Playhouse’s rendition of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream‘ breathes new life into Shakespeare’s classic by setting it in the vibrant, sultry world of New Orleans, creating a unique and delightful atmosphere. The shift from Athens to the colorful streets of the Big Easy brings an added layer of charm and energy to the play, making the familiar magical forest feel fresh and full of jazz-infused whimsy.
Cabrillo Playhouse’s casting choices are strong, which a testament to director Eric Modyman’s vision, along with Ashley Montgomery as Helena perhaps being the only slight misstep. While her performance was wonderful, she was far too beautiful to convincingly play the plain, undesirable Helena—a role typically defined by awkwardness and unrequited love. In fact, it’s surprising more of the cast didn’t fight for her affections! On the other hand, Chelsea Caracoza as Hermia was absolutely mesmerizing. She commanded attention from the very first moment, and it was impossible not to be drawn to her every move.
Garrett Claud as Demetrius and Ben Green as Lysander rounded out the lead cast exceptionally well. The chemistry between the two was natural, and they brought their respective characters to life with a great mix of humor and heart.
(lt to rt) Helena (Ashley Montgomery), Demetrius (Garrett Claud), Lysander (Ben Green) and Hermia (Chelsea Caracoza) in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ performing now through March 23, 2025, at Cabrillo Playhouse.
But the true scene-stealer in the ensemble was Kristiin Austin, who gave a charming, nonchalant performance as the lion and provided a brilliantly understated portrayal of Snug. Her ability to make a seemingly small role shine with such ease was a testament to her skill.
Then there’s the showstopper, Thomas McNeil as Bottom, who initially came across as overly theatrical, almost uncomfortably so. However, as the play progressed, it became clear that McNeil’s performance was a masterclass in comedic timing, showcasing the ridiculousness of Bottom and Pyramus with perfect self-awareness. By the end, his commitment to the role was undeniable, and his transformation from obnoxious fool to endearing buffoon was a highlight.
Lisa Stout brought an infectious energy to the show, never stopping her whirlwind of activity, and her stamina was nothing short of impressive. She truly embodied the playful spirit of the play. Jay La Rosa as Oberon, along with the equally wonderful Titania, gave the fairy world an air of mystery and elegance, grounding the magic with their regal performances.
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream‘ runs at the Cabrillo Playhouse from now through March 23, 2025.
To purchase ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream‘ at Cabrillo Playhouse visit: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/cabrilloplayhouse/.
Cabrillo Playhouse is located at:
202 Avenida Cabrillo
San Clemente, CA 92672
Summary
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream‘ at Cabrillo Playhouse is a highly enjoyable, playful, and magical experience, with just enough twists to keep the audience engaged. The cast is solid, the setting is a delightful reinterpretation, and the comedic timing is on point. It’s a fun and imaginative take on a classic that will leave you smiling long after the curtain falls.
