Shake Things Up!

Willamette Shakespeare, under the artistic direction of Daniel Somerfield, presents a new vision of William Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Featuring desperate lovers, mischievous fairies and a flower that causes love upon first sight, this year’s production was chosen by Somerfield for its accessibility and popularity. But just because audience members think they know the play doesn’t mean they really “know” it. Somerfield has his own thoughts on the work’s text and characters, which he plans to highlight this summer.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of the most commonly produced of Shakespeare’s plays. The play, or at least our conceptions of the play, has become deeply engrained in the language of our culture,” Somerfield said. “People remember the characters and situations, but there is great storytelling in this play, and I want to share that with our audiences.

“Besides, if we learned anything last year, it was that there are many people in the Willamette Valley who are new to Shakespeare. I think we can offer something for everyone — both seasoned theatergoers and newbies.”

Guests are encouraged to arrive early — all venues open 90 minutes before each performance — to enjoy a pre-show picnic or purchase food provided by Underground Café. A rotating lineup of wine will be available from Brick House, Redman, Trisaetum, Sokol Blosser, Stoller, Winderlea and Raptor Ridge. Children’s activities are scheduled for Sunday performances.

EVENT INFO

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Performed by Willamette Shakespeare

Location: Reed College Amphitheater
Address: 3203 S.E. Woodstock Blvd., Portland
Date/Time: Aug. 6–7, 7 p.m.; Aug. 8, 6 p.m.

Location: Allison Inn & Spa
Address: 2525 Allison Lane, Newberg
Date/Time: Aug. 13–14, 7 p.m.; Aug. 15, 6 p.m.

Location: Stoller Vineyards
Address: 16161 N.E. McDougall Rd., Dayton
Date/Time: Aug. 20–21, 7 p.m.; Aug. 22, 6 p.m.

Tickets: Free; food/wine available for purchase
Web: www.willametteshakespeare.org