A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Opens this Friday in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Shakespeare opens its 2016 summer repertory season on Friday,July 15, 2016, at 8:00 pm with Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream in its new home, The Grove at DeLaveaga Park in Santa Cruz. Performances run through August 28, 2016.

Shakespeare's comedy where fairy and mortal worlds collide is the inaugural production in the new outdoor theater and is directed by Terri McMahon.

Scenic design is by Collette Pollard, costume design is by Christina Dinkel, composition and sound design is by Rodolfo Ortega, lighting design is by Kent Dorsey, and properties design is by Lydia Bushfield.

"I'm thrilled to open The Grove with one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies," saysArtistic Director Mike Ryan. "This story of transformation seems particularly apt. The land at The Grove has been utterly transformed by the love and generosity of this amazing community and the incredible dedication of our Board, staff, artists, and artisans. "

The cast features last season's stars of The Liar, Mary Cavett and Brian Smolin as the star-crossed lovers 'Helena' and 'Demetrius.' Other members of the cast include Cody Nickell (Theseus/Oberon), Mia Ellis (Hippolyta/Titania), Larry Paulsen (Puck), Carol Halstead (Egea), Katherine Ko (Hermia), Kyle Hester (Lysander), Bernard K. Addison (Bottom), Kate Eastwood Norris (Penny Quince), and Patty Gallagher (First Fairy).

Santa Cruz Shakespeare will once again offer a free Youth Ticket to one of its productions, a program initiated last season to encourage the introduction of Shakespeare to the next generation. This year, those 18 and under will receive a free groundling ticket to all performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream with each purchase of an adult groundling ticket.

For tickets go to www.santacruzshakespeare.org/tickets or call 831-460-6399.