Lincoln Academy will soon present William Shakespeare’s comedy of love, magic, and mischief, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." Heartwood Theater will collaborate by sharing resources and managing publicity and ticketing. Performances are scheduled for Oct. 30 – Nov. 7  in the Lincoln Academy Poe Theater at 81 Academy Hill Road, Newcastle.

"A Midsummer Night’s Dream," one of Shakespeare’s most popular and widely performed plays, was written in the late 1500s. Several interconnecting subplots cohere around the wedding of Duke Theseus of Athens and the Amazon queen Hippolyta, primarily set in a beautiful, fantastical woodland.    

Shakespeare presents a challenge and an education for any ensemble, one these students have taken up with eagerness and commitment. The cast of 23 along with a dedicated student tech crew, are supported by a full professional production team: Griff Braley – director; Jonah Daiute – tech director; Ryan Kohnert – lighting; Amy Noble – costumer; Larry Detwiler – musical composer, Niall Lessard - movement director.

"Students helped to select this piece last spring, and they’ve been all in ever since," notes Braley, "grappling with the complexity of Shakespeare, drawing out the poetry, character relationships, and plots." All of this work continues so that the audience might fully enjoy and understand the wit, subtleties and humor in this piece.

Developing the extraordinary set upon which humans, woodland creatures, and fairies interplay requires unity of the elements: set, lights, and costumes. Cast involvement in set creation has deepened their involvement and enhanced their camaraderie.  

Performances: At 7 p.m. Oct. 30 and Nov. 5-7 and one matinee Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. Reservations are strongly suggested, by emailing info@heartwoodtheater.org or phoning 207-563-1373.  All adult tickets are $20, and students through college are $5, thanks to Student Ticket Sponsors - First National Wealth Management and Moody’s Diner.