‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is ‘a love letter to our neighbors’
RENSSELAERVILLE — Last year, Tara McCormick-Hostash had an inspiration.
After directing “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Guggenheim Theater, she looked out over the lawn of the Hilltown Commons and thought, “This beautiful green slope would be perfect to stage ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’”
And so this summer, Shakespeare’s comedy will come to life through the performance of 22 local teens and adults. The outdoor show will run July 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinée on Sunday, July 13, at 2:30 p.m.
Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons, and Theseus, Duke of Athens, will plan for their wedding, the lovers will court and quarrel, the mechanicals will amuse, and the fairies will provide merriment amidst the mayhem — as they have since the mid-16th Century.
“We aim to honor the timeless poetry and enchanting magic of the Bard’s original vision,” said McCormick-Hostash, artistic director, in a notice from R’ville Stage Creations.
McCormick-Hostash, a founder of the troupe 15 years ago, said the name was chosen because a sense of place is important but she recalled how difficult it was for her to spell Rensselaerville as a 4-year-old.
“Our hope,” she said of the current production, “is to bring this beloved comedy to life under the setting sun, inviting our community to step into a world of dreams, love and a bit of mischief — all right here in our own backyard.”
“We know it’s not every day that you get to see Shakespeare under the stars in the Hilltowns,” said Producer Rachel de Long. “This production is a love letter to our neighbors, and we hope it brings folks together for something joyful and unexpected — right here at home.”
In addition to its three main performances, the not-for-profit company is offering a special pay-what-you-will relaxed performance during its final dress rehearsal on Thursday, July 10.
“This inclusive showing is designed to welcome children and adults with sensory sensitivities, developmental or learning differences, or anyone who might find a traditional theatre setting challenging,” the notice said. Attendance is by reservation only and limited to 25 guests.
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Tickets, which cost $30 with a $4 discount for students, seniors, and people in military service, may be reserved online at rville-stage-creations.square.site, or by calling 518-248-3261, or by emailing .
The play will be performed on the lawn outside of the Guggenheim Pavilion at the Hilltown Commons at 63 Huyck Road in Rensselaerville. The grounds will open an hour before each show and play-goers are urged to print a folding chair or blanket.
In case of rain, the show will go on — inside the Guggenheim Theater.