Classical Theatre of Harlem Unveils Full Cast for A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

The Classical Theatre of Harlem has announced the full cast for its upcoming production of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Carl Cofield. Set against the backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance, this free outdoor production promises to be a celebration of talent, culture, and community. This production was made possible by the generous support of Wendell Pierce.  

Event Details:

• Dates: Tuesday through Sunday, July 6th - 28th 
• Time: 8:30 PM 
• Location: Richard Rodgers Amphitheatre in Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem, NY
• Reservations: http://cthnyc.org/msnd/

Joining comedian Russell Peters in his Shakespearean debut as Nick Bottom, the cast features a talented ensemble of performers who will bring Shakespeare's magical world to life:

• Ra'mya Aikens as Hermia
• Hiram Delgado* as Lysander
• Noah Michal as Helena
• Brandon Carter* as Demetrius
• Victor Williams* as Theseus / Oberon
• Jesmille Darbouze as Hippolyta / Titania
• Allen Gilmore* as Peter Quince / Egeus
• Mykal Kilgore* as Philostrate / Puck
• León Tak as Francis Flute / Cobweb
• Carson Elrod* as Tom Snout / Peaseblossom / First Fairy
• Olivia London* as Snug, Second Fairy, Moth (u/s Puck)
• Deidre Staples as Starveling, Mustardseed
• Taylor Collier as Dance Ensemble / Dance Captain
• Latrea Rembert* as Dance Ensemble
• Tracy Dunbar* as Dance Ensemble
• Taylor Daniels* as Dance Ensemble
• Stemarciae Bain as Dance Ensemble
• Taylor Mackenzie Smith as Dance Ensemble
• Victor Lewis Jr. as Dance Ensemble
• Nisani Lopez as Dance Ensemble

Understudies:

• Olivia London* as U/S - Puck / Titania-Hippolyta
• Collin McConnell as U/S - Egeus, Quince, Snug, 2nd fairy, Moth, Snout, First Fairy, Peaseblossom, Flute, Cobweb
• Jaylen Eashmond as U/S - Bottom
• Christopher Then* as U/S - Oberon / Theseus
• Angelica Williams as U/S - Starveling, Mustardseed; Helena
• Marcus Fitzpatrick as U/S - Demetrius/Lysander

(*denotes AEA member)

"We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional cast of performers to our production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,'" said Carl Cofield, Director of the production. "Their talent and dedication will undoubtedly bring new depth and vibrancy to Shakespeare's beloved comedy, as we transport audiences to the heart of the Harlem Renaissance."

CTH is dedicating their entire 25th Anniversary Season to longtime trustee Andre Braugher. The 2024-25 season will also continue to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance, and will open with this FREE Harlem Renaissance-themed Uptown Shakespeare in the Park production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and the world premiere of Memnon by Will Power, directed by Carl Cofield at the Getty Villa in California in September. 

For more information about the show, please visit cthnyc.org and reservations can be made directly here: http://cthnyc.org/msnd/

WNYC is a media partner of The Classical Theatre of Harlem.

• June 24, 2024: Person Place Thing interview with Randy Cohen and Ty Jones at the Harlem School for the Arts at 7:00 PM.
• July 6 - 28, 2024: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (free) at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater at Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem, CTH’s upcoming production, William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, and invites audiences to immerse themselves in this enchanting classic, set against the backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance. Directed by Carl Cofield, this free outdoor production promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Comedian Russell Peters will portray Nick Bottom. Having sold-out arenas around the world, including MSG and Barclays Center, this performance will Mark Peters' stage and Shakespearean debut. The full cast announcement will be shared later this Spring. This production was made possible by the generous support of Wendell Pierce.  
• September 5th - September 28th, 2024: The Getty Villa and Classical Theatre of Harlem present the World Premiere of Memnon, written by Will Power, directed by Carl Cofield and choreographed by Tiffany Rea-Fisher, bringing the story of Ethiopia’s powerful king to life as he answers the call to defend Troy. This Homeric episode, once a staple of the ancient Greek and Roman epic tradition, had been forgotten—until now. Tickets go on sale on Monday, July 1.