Review: 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' Adaptation at Hole in the Wall Theater

Chris Peterson

• OnStage Editor-in-Chief
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The summer seems to be the traditional time for most theatre companies to put on their annual Shakespeare productions. Some might attempt outdoor theatre, others will try put different spins on the material. The folks at the Hole in the Wall Theater are doing something a bit different, by presenting a shortened version of A Midsummer Night's Dream. 

Billed as an hour-long presentation of the show, adapted by Bill Arnold, this production contains all the necessary elements you would need to see in the show without losing too much of the content. 

While no one should walk in expecting a serious take on the Bard's work, enough fun is being had here to make it enjoyable. The cast is having a great time up there and the humor is contagious. 

The show isn't without some hiccups here and there. First, the show is far from an hour long. Including a 15 minute intermission, the total run time is just under 2 hours. So for audience members attending under the appeal that it's a quick night out, they're in for a surprise. Secondly, while the cast certainly does air on the humorous side, some of the notes they hit are either a bit too cartoonish or they hit them way too many times that they losing their shock value. 

But other than that, there is a lot working here under Kelley Mountzoures. The design of the show is what we have come to expect from HITW, colorful, vibrant and creative. The cast is also talented to rise to the challenge of the Bard's most famous comedy. 

While it's impossible to list the entire cast here, some standouts include Nick DeCrosta as Puck, Tony Palmieri as Oberon, Anne Collin as Titania and Peter Bailey as Bottom. 

I was also particularly impressed by the work of Paolo Celentano as Demetrius and Kristen Parker and Hermia. But again, the entire ensemble but a lot of fun to watch. 

The production closes this weekend, so if you're in the mood for a fun adaptation of Shakespeare, I certainly recommend this one.