BPO & Irish Classical Theatre Present: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Irish Classical Theatre Company are proud to present a collaborative production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare performed to the ethereal and timeless compositions of Felix Mendelssohn. One of the most beloved comedies of the Shakespearean canon, A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be presented Friday, January 17th through Sunday, January 19th, at Kleinhans Music Hall.

In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the stage is set for romance as the mystical faerie kingdom and the humdrum world of humans converge in this whimsical tale of magic, mischief and misplaced affection, as the woods beyond Athens become a topsy-turvy Garden of Eden for a single enchanted midsummer night. The Irish Classical Theatre Company performs the Bard’s beloved and hilarious comedy to the glorious compositions of Felix Mendelssohn, performed by the award-winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of internationally acclaimed Conductor JoAnn Falletta.

Directed by ICTC Associate Director Fortunato Pezzimenti,A Midsummer Night’s Dream stars Vincent O’Neill as Oberon/Theseus; Aleks Malejs as Titania/Hippolyta; Brendan Didio as Philostrate/Puck; Chris Kelly as Egeus/Quince; Phil Farugia as Bottom; Kevin Kennedy as Flute; Dudney Joseph as Snout; David Lundy as Starvling and Gerry Maher as Snug. This classic Shakespearean comedy introduces David Wysocki as Lysander; Nick Stevens as Demetrius; Kit Kuebler as Helena; and Kayla Storto as Hermia in their ICTC and BPO debuts.

The Women’s Choir of Buffalo, Kathleen Bassett, Conductor, will also perform in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  Members lyric coloratura soprano Karen D’Angelo, and mezzo-soprano/alto Maria Parker will play the roles of Faerie 1 and Faerie 2.

Supporting the production are Production Stage Manager Michelle Eisen; Assistant Stage Manager Eliza Zanolli-Stiles; Lighting Designer Dyan Burlingame; Set Designer David Dwyer; Sound
Designer Tom Makar; Costume Designer A, Lise Harty; Choreographer LauRen Alaimo; Wardrobe Supervisor Vivian Del Bello; Hair and Make-up Designer Susan Drozd; Specialty Props Diane Almeter Jones; and Props Roy Walker.

“Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dreamis an entrancing story of love in two worlds – the world of humans and the magic realm of the faeries,” said Maestra JoAnn Falletta, Conductor.   “It is impossible not to fall in love with this wonderful tale, where human and fairy worlds collide with hilarious results. Felix Mendelssohn discovered the play as a child, and at the age of 17, wrote music that stands as one of the greatest achievements in our symphonic world.  From the gossamer overture to the famous Wedding March to the irresistible peasant dance, the composition conjures up a vision of incomparable beauty,” she continued.  “Don’t be surprised if those faeries and humans actually appear on stage to present their tale—in the persons of our great friends and superb artists, the actors of the Irish Classical Theatre Company.  This weekend might very well be the highlight of our year!” Maestra Falletta concluded.

Performances will take place at Kleinhans Music Hall, located at 1 Symphony Circle, on Friday, January 17th at 8p; Saturday, January 18th at 8p and Sunday, January 19th at 2:30p. Information and tickets are available in person at the Kleinhans Music Hall Box Office, by phone at (716) 885-5064, or online at bpo.org or at irishclassicaltheatre.com.