A delightfully mischievous Puck balances at the edge of The Armory Theater stage in downtown Portland. The stage is dark, save the glow of a full moon behind a row of fairy forest trees. “If we shadows have offended, Think but this, and all is mended, That you have but slumber’d here While these visions did appear.” It’s the aptly delirious final monologue of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which just made its debut weekend at Portland Center Stage.
This production features a playful cast of entirely local actors, many of whom you may have seen on stage in past productions such as Tick… Tick… Boom!, Macbeth, and Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles, among others. As the final play of the theater’s 2022-23 season, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a perfect selection for an effervescent PNW summer. Underneath the spellbinding forest locale – designed by Peter Ksander – four lovers, a bumbling band of theater makers, and a troupe of fiendish fairies bring true magic to life.
From the very first scene, an enticing interpretive dance including the entire cast, I was enthralled. Though it’s true that “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a foolproof production, the PCS team did a fantastic job reimagining the 16th-century play with whimsy and wit. During such pivotal scenes as the iconic “play within a play” and the four lover’s climactic quarrel in the forest, the audience was laughing so emphatically that entire sects of dialogue were lost in the uproar. Not that it mattered; the hysterical blocking and genius physical comedy of the actors could’ve carried the plot on its own.
Reimagining a classic
Perhaps most intriguing, the cast plays a multitude of gender swaps, with several nonbinary bodies playing all kinds of gender roles. Treasure Lunan (they/them) is a thrilling Lysander, bringing unabridged charisma to the young Athenian stud. As Helena, Tyler Andrew Jones (he/him) is delightfully sassy and innovative. It’s not a role typically cast male, but Jones still nails the character’s lovestruck pain and self-conscious vexation. The use of utilitarian smock dresses that all characters wear is just another genius way to befog typical gender roles. Nowadays, it seems easy and common to utilize queer bodies simply for diversity or to gain public favor. Here, Portland Center Stage instead celebrates and honors sexual ambiguity to uplift and enrich the plot.
Every single player in this production is fantastic. The band of theater misfits had me doubled over with laughter during their chaotic performance of “Pyramus and Thisbe.” It’s wonderful to see a troupe or talented performers having fun and doing what they’re best at. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a constant and innovative delight. Don’t miss it.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs through July 2 on the mainstage at Portland Center Stage. Prices range from $25 to $93, and tickets may be purchased at 503-445-3700 or in person from the box office. Visit pcs.org/deals to view ticket specials, including Pay What You Will, Military Veteran, Under 30, Groups, and more.
featured images by Shawnte Sims
