Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences Presents A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences Presents A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Share the Language of Shakespeare with the Young Person in Your Life!

The Theatre School at DePaul University presents A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, written by William Shakespeare, adapted and directed by Catherine Weidner, as the next installment of the 2009-2010 Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences Series. This production is sponsored by Northern Trust, and will open Tuesday, January 12, and run through Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at DePaul's historic Merle Reskin Theatre. Performances are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 AM and Saturdays at 2 PM. There will be no performances on January 23, 26, 28, or 30.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM is an unforgettable tale of love, magic, and mischief set in the mystical forest outside of Athens. When the forest becomes a hideout for four hopeful youths and a group of amateur performers, the fairies cast spells that mix up everyone's affections with hilarious and delightful results. This new adaptation is designed to introduce young people to the joys of Shakespeare and his language. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Tickets are $8. Subscriptions and group rates (15 or more people) are available at (312) 922-0999. DePaul employees, alumni, and college students receive a discount (with ID). Tickets are available online at http://theatreschool.depaul.edu or by calling the Box Office at (312) 922-1999.

DePaul's Merle Reskin Theatre is located at 60 E. Balbo Drive at Michigan Ave., in Chicago. For information about parking, please contact the Box Office. The theatre is accessible via CTA busses (3-King Drive, 29-State Street, 146-Michigan/ Museums and others), and CTA El stops (Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Purple and Pink).

A wide range of events will be held in conjunction with this production including Community Partner Days, as well as an Ice Cream Social, Opening Day Autographs, Post Show Discussions, and much more! For details or a free Teacher Guide highlighting curriculum connections visit http://theatreschool.depaul.edu or call (312) 922-1999.

The cast features Teddy Boone (Demetrius), Derrick Cooper (Lysander), Dave Daniels (Bottom/Pyramus), Daniel Dvorkin (Egeus/1st Fairy), William J. Gillespie (Philostrate/Puck), Joyce Hshieh (Snout/Mustardseed/Wall/Moon), Erica Ikeda (Mrs. Quince/Peaseblossom),
Kelsey Jorissen (Hermia), Elan Maier (Francis Flute/Cobweb/Thisby), Michael Olavson (Snug/Moth/Lion), Simone Olsen-Varela (Helena), Aaron Rustebakke (Theseus/Oberon), and Loresa Yvonne (Hippoltya/Titania). With special guest musician Sean Kopp (Percussionist).

The production staff includes Catherine Weidner (Director & Adaptor), Natalie Turner-Jones (Movement Coach), Claudia Anderson (Vocal Coach), Kellen Krause (Scenic Design), Bonnie Kooklin (Costume Design), Mateusz Gajowniczek (Lighting Design), Mike Ross (Sound Design), Robert Dieringer & Ernie Nolan (Dramaturgy), and Kristen Torgrimson (Stage Management).

CATHERINE WEIDNER (Director & Adaptor) serves as a professor of acting for The Theatre School at DePaul University. For ten years, she served as the Program Director of The Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy for Classical Acting at George Washington University. Prior to that, she was head of the theatre program at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. In New York, she has directed and performed at Soho Rep and New Dramatists. She recently directed TAMING OF THE SHREW and TITUS ANDRONICUS for the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, and HENRY V in Austin,
Texas as a co-production of Red Then and The Rude Mechanicals. She has also directed TWELFTH NIGHT and RICHARD III for The Theatre School, as well as productions of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, MEASURE FOR MEASURE, WAITING FOR GODOT, CALIGULA, OTHERWISE ENGAGED, ANIMAL FARM, RECKLESS, CLOUD 9, THE VISIT, and UBU.