August 6-8, 13-15, 2021
The Boise Bard Players put their stamp on one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies.
SYNOPSIS: Hermia of Athens is in love with Lysander, but her father wishes her to marry Demetrius. Instead of obeying the Duke Theseus’ command to choose to marry Demetrius, become a nun, or die, Hermia and Lysander run away through the forest, but not before telling Hermia’s chilidhood friend Helena of their plan. Helena, being hopelessly in love with Demetrius, tells him of their plan, and the chase is on!
In another part of town, a group of mechanicals, blue collar workers, have a dream of being in a play. Their dreams are about to come true as they get the chance to stage a play for Duke Theseus and his new bride Hippolyta on their wedding day. They decide to rehearse outside town in the forest to avoid ruining the surprise.
In the forest, a feud rages between Oberon, king of the fairies, and Titania, the queen, over a changeling boy: a mortal child cared for by fairies. The conflict has disrupted nature itself and shows no sign of ending. Oberon conspires to use a potent magical flower to ensnare Titania’s affection on some unsuspecting beast. He also employs Robin Goodfellow, or Puck, his servant, to retrieve the flower. In discovering the discontented Helena and Demetrius, Oberon has Puck interfere with the flower to force Demetrius to fall in love with her, but Puck mistakes Demetrius and Lysander and hijinks ensue.
The Venues
Produced in The Boise Bard Players’ signature minimalist style and break-neck pace, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a triumphant return to the stage that will ensnare newcomers and Bardolotrists alike! This production is touring, performing at The College of Idaho, The Bishop’s House, Mad Swede Brewing, and Carl Miller Park in Mountain Home.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream will open at the College of Idaho in a FREE PUBLIC performance outside the new Cruzen-Murray Library, thanks to a partnership with the College’s Department of Theatre Arts. The Boise Bard Players is thrilled to have five C of I alumni involved in this production and are excited to bring their skills back to campus for a performance. Feel free to bring chairs and a picnic for this one-time performance!
Playing August 6th/7:30pm. NO TICKETS NEEDED, performance outside Cruzen-Murray Library.
The Boise Bard Players is happy to return to the Bishop’s House for three performances in their beautiful and historic garden. Nestled beneath Table Rock, the Bishop’s House garden is a marvelous venue for Shakespeare’s lovers and fairies comedy.
Playing August 7th/7:30pm, 8th/2:00pm, and 13th/7:30pm. Tickets available at https://www.thebishopshouse.com/
Mad Swede Brewing has become BBP’s home away from home, hosting two productions and other events. We are joining forces again for one night – an Adult Night of Midsummer! It’s a joke in high school English classes that Shakespeare is dirty. If you’ve always wanted to see how dirty Shakespeare can be, this is the performance for you. Enjoy a late night beverage with other adults in this 18+ only audience.
Playing August 14th/9:00pm. Tickets available at https://boisebardplayers.ludus.com/index.php
The Mountain Home Arts Council has partnered with BBP to bring Shakespeare in the Park back to Mountain Home! This free public performance will be the first since The Tempest in 2019! Slather on your sunscreen, bring your picnics and plenty of water and lemonade to catch our final performance in a lovely afternoon at Carl Miller Park.
Playing August 15th/2:00pm. NO TICKETS NEEDED. Performed in Carl Miller Park.
Sponsors
No production would be possible without our Patreon members! BBP owes a large debt of gratitude to our Patreon members for keeping us afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic! If you would like to join our Patreon ranks and make a donation of any size per month, Become a Patron!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream was made possible by a generous donation by Idaho Arts Charter School. Rehearsal space is crucially important for a quality play, and Idaho Arts Charter School provided the use of their black box theater. Idaho Arts Charter School is a public charter school in Nampa, ID, whose mission is “Engaged Learning through the Arts”. They hope to inspire students to higher learning in academics and nurture a love of the arts.
Additional Sponsors
Dr. Rick Capezza
Richardson Adams, PLLC