All the expected scenes were there, and lines were delivered with clarity and expression, but there was energy and excitement, romance and slapstick comedy, and enough differences in staging and execution to make this feel like a new theatrical experience. And that in itself is high praise indeed. When the first sounds you hear are drummers, you know something has changed. When the courtiers turn into fairies, making the fairies all around us everywhere, instead of just in Oberon’s world, the surprises continue.

The pace is fast; the action is nonstop; the fun continues—but there are darker, deeper elements as well. Stephen Davis plays a punk Puck who is a bit darker than the traditional version. Tom Angland is a masterful Oberon, and his scenes with Puck are some of the best in the play. Erica Tobolski is a sexy, funny Titania. Jennifer Fine and Marybeth Gorman add rollicking comedy to Hermia and Helena. Richard Jennings milks Nick Bottom from top to bottom, and these are just some of the highlights.

Sarah Barker’s choreography made the fairies something special, and Kimi Maeda, credited with “scenography and costume design” gave the production an entirely new look. Guest lighting designer Debra Dumas did a remarkable job. Nic Ularu, this time credited with ”scenography consult and masks,” Valerie Pruett, “wigs, hair, and makeup design,” and Cathy Brookshire, vocal coach, all deserve kudos.

In short, the production looks wonderful, sounds wonderful, and has something for everyone, even non-Shakespeare lovers. Actually, this would be a wonderful introduction to Shakespeare, so bring the kids along. They won’t be bored. The pace is fast, and there’s too much going on for them to lose interest.

“What fools you mortals be,” if you let this one slip away. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is at Drayton Hall Theater through April 24. Call 7-2551 for reservations.

4/05