Director explores gender identity in Nazareth College's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream Nov. 17-20

ROCHESTER, NY (11/03/2016)(readMedia)-- The Nazareth College Theatre and Dance Department and Theatre League are pleased to present a fresh take on William Shakespeare's classic A Midsummer Night's Dream. This is the Nazareth College Theatre and Dance Department's second production of the season, and follows seven sold-out performances of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. The show will run November 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m.; and November 20 at 2 p.m. in Callahan Theater at the Nazareth College Arts Center.

About the Production:

Set in an enchanted forest on a summer night (designed by Allen Shannon), a quarrel between fairy royalty results in a comedy of errors for everyone else. Written as Fairy King and Queen, this production will feature two women in the roles. Gender identity is not a new theme in Shakespeare's work, however this production will delve into an exploration of what it means to be "man" and "woman."

Director Lindsay Reading Korth's vision of an all female casting of fairies first evolved from collaboration and discussion with the designers of the production. The audience will experience a "world of female power" in the woods, in contrast to the patriarchy established in the human world. The play itself has naturally embedded explorations of gender roles, but Korth aims to go further: she will show that women are not limited to the "type" of woman they can be- the same for men.

The notorious character Bottom, famously known for getting his head transformed into that of a donkey by the universally gender-neutral Puck, will also be played by a woman. Join the lovers, fairies, royals, and mechanicals in this winding tale that-with mischievous intervention from the playful Puck-proves "the course of true love never did run smooth" (Lysander).

Cast and Production Team

The cast features Nazareth College students Jeremy Saunders (Lysander), Janna Kozloski (Hermia), Chris Peterkin (Demetrius), and Abby Voss (Helena) as the lovers; Josh Feldman (Theseus) and Erin Griffin (Hippolyta) as the royals; Alexus Maxam (Oberon), Katja Stavenhagen (Titania), and Brooke Mordenga as the fairies; and Claire Ganem as the notorious Bottom.

Other cast members include: Katie Thomas (Philostate/Cobweb), Demetrio Alomar (Egeus), Jackson Mosher (Peter Quince), Jeffrey Salamone (Francis Flute), Jake Smith (Tom Snout), Peter Smith (Snug), Alma Haddock (Robin Starveling), Kaitie Buckert (Peaseblossom), Ricarda Harnischmacher (Fairy), Sara Hayward (Fairy), Samuel Melita (Guard), and Vinny Cupluzzi (Guard).

Also behind the scenes are: Silas Holtz (Assistant Director/Stage Combat), Nolan Todd (Stage Manager) Regan Stacey and Samantha Spadafore (Assistant Stage Managers), Yuanting Zhao (Department Chair/Costumes), Alexandra Anthony (Production Manager/Technical Director), Emily Stork (Lighting/Sound Design), and Mary Farmer (Costume Shop Manager).

Tickets

General admission tickets to A Midsummer Night's Dream are $13-$15, and all area students receive half-price tickets at the door with valid school ID. For tickets, call – or visit – the Box Office: 585-389-2170 or order online: naz.edu/artscenter.

The Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office is located on campus, at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618. Regular box office hours are Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., and for one hour prior to curtain time for Nazareth College Theatre Arts and Dance Department performances.

Nazareth College

Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts. The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester, N.Y. challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.