Acadia Community Theater to Perform “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Northeast Harbor [PHOTOS]

I was down in Northeast Harbor on Saturday morning, watching the Acadia Community Theater rehearse in 90 degree temperature, as they get ready for their performance of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Northeast Harbor Marina on July 26, 27, and  28, and August 2, 3 and 4. Performances will be nightly at 7:30.

ACT’s show will have all the familiar elements of the classic Shakspearian comedy: mistaken identities, talking donkeys, love and would-be love, and the ever mischievous fairy Puck.

The show is directed by Casey Rush and produced by ACT Board Member, Heather Dillon. Doug Van Gorder is the Stage Manager, and Matthew Hochman and Ed Dillon are the Technical Directors for Lights & Sound and Scenery, respectively. The costumes, designed by Patti Savoie & Sydney Roberts Rockefeller, emphasize the difference between the wealthy ruling class of Athens and the more bohemian fairies, while providing modern and easily recognizable outfits for the workers, known as the Rude Mechanicals. The posters are designed by Piper Charron.

Casey Rush first directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2001, for MDI High School. Three actors from the 2001 show have returned to Shakespeare again in this production, with Mike Perlman reprising his role as Bottom, the talkative handyman with a donkey’s head; Annie Leonardi taking a spin with Titania, Queen of the Fairies; and Melissa Burkhart stepping into the powerful Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons. The cast is full of other MDI Drama alumni, such as Mia Jeannotte and Axis Fuksman-Kumpa as Helena and Hermia, two close friends who cannot seem to agree on their love for Demetrius and Lysander, played by Zach Uliano and Griffin Graves. A bevy of ACT regulars complete the ensemble, including Wendy Littlefield, Ethan Leonard, Sherri Carignan, and more.

Check out some of the photos!

The performances are at the Northeast Harbor Marina and are open to all, with a suggested donation of $10. Please remember to bring blankets or folding chairs. For more information please visit www.acadiacommunitytheater.net or email acadiacommunitytheater@gmail.com.