A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Plays Park Square Theatre, 11/23 & 24; Student Matinees 11/19-12/19

Park Square Theatre presents William Shakespeare's whimsical tale of magic and mistaken identity, A Midsummer Night's Dream, over Thanksgiving weekend. The public has three opportunities to see Midsummer, with performances Friday, November 23 at 7:30 p.m., and two shows Saturday, November 24 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances for students run November 19-December 19, 2012.

A Midsummer Night's Dream tells the story of four young lovers and a group of amateur actors, all bewitched by Oberon and his band of fairies who inhabit the forest. Interlocking plots of magic, mistaken identity, dreams and love unfold under the light of the full moon.

Jef Hall-Flavin returns to direct A Midsummer Night's Dream, which he also directed in 2006, 2008, and 2010. "I am amazed and inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream each time I direct it," said Flavin. "That to me is a true mark of a gifted playwright and a bottomless play."

Ricardo Vázquez joins the cast of this romantic romp as Lysander/Flute/Mote. Returning actors from the 2010 production include Hope Cervantes (Hermia/Starveling/Mustardseed), David Coral (Quince/Egeus/First Fairy), Paul C. de Cordova (Oberon/Theseus), Dave Gangler (Puck/Philostrate), Terry Hempleman (Bottom), Adia Morris (Helena/Snug/Cobweb), Eric Sharp (Demetrius/Snout/ Peaseblossom), and Andrea Wollenberg (Titania/Hippolyta).

Flavin's artistic production team includes Mary Beth Gagner (Costume Design), Katharine Horowitz (Sound Design), Michael P. Kittel (Lighting Design), Star Michaelina Newman (Properties Design), Erik E. Paulson (Set Design), Doug Scholz-Carlson (Fight Choreographer), and Adam Wernick (Composer). Jamie J. Kranz is the stage manager.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is part of Park Square Theatre's award-winning 3M Student Series, which serves more than 25,000 teens each year, offering professional productions of literary classics and contemporary plays for students in grades 7-12. A Midsummer Night's Dream will be presented to more than 6,000 students during midmorning matinees from November 19 through December 19. Limited public seating is available during student matinees. Contact the box office at 651-291-7005 as starting times and availability vary for student performances.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is a part of Park Square's new Shakespeare Access Program. Half-price tickets are available for students who qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program.

Performance Schedule: Friday, November 23 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 24 at 2 p.m. & Saturday, November 24 at 7:30 p.m. Student matinees open November 19th and run through December 19th. All performances are in The company's intimate 340-seat theater in Saint Paul's historic Hamm Building, 20 W. Seventh Place.

Ticket prices: $38 & $58. Discounts are available for seniors, those under age 30, and groups. Tickets are on sale at the Park Square box office, 20 W. Seventh Place, or by phone: 651.291.7005, (12 noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday), or online at www.parksquaretheatre.org.

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