Aquila Theatre to present "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Feb. 25

The Aquila Theatre will present Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, in the Rozsa Center. (Image courtesy Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts)

HOUGHTON -- Many of us know at least a little of the tale: Enchanted forests, fairy kings and queens, mixed-up lovers and the mischievous Puck! Come to the Rozsa Center for an evening with Aquila Theatre's production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, 2011.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream has delighted audiences for centuries, and Aquila’s interpretation will renew the magic of Shakespeare’s plot. Set against a classical Athenian backdrop, A Midsummer Night’s Dream deals with the universal theme of love, and its complications: passion, lust, frustration, depression, confusion, and, of course, marriage.

Aquila weaves a web of theatrical magic that will take an audience to the heart of an enchanted forest, the injustice of the Athenian court, and the political strife of the fairy kingdom. The plot focuses on the trials and experiences of two sets of lovers, the Fairy King and Queen and their servants, and a group of rude mechanics attempting to stage a production of "Pyramus and Thisbe" for the wedding of the Duke of Athens. At the heart of the story is the Fairy King’s servant, the impish Puck, whose magic creates an endless supply of mirth, mistaken identity, and inappropriate -- if not absolutely ludicrous -- passions.

Aquila’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream has been praised by The New York Times as follows: "Timely and pleasing…this 'Dream' soothes the eye and tickles the funny bone.'"

Aquila’s comedic mastery, physical ensemble techniques, and proven successes with their critically acclaimed productions of Shakespeare promise that this will be a Dream you won’t soon forget.

This event is sponsored in part by Minnesota Public Radio and the James and Margaret Black Endowment.

Ticket prices for adults are $20, $18 for seniors, $14 for students, and free for Michigan Tech Students. To purchase tickets, contact Michigan Tech Ticketing Services at the Rozsa Box Office at 487-3200, the Central Ticket Office (SDC) at 487-2073, or go online at tickets.mtu.edu. No refunds, exchanges, or late seating, please.