Broken Box’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream hits the stage from Thursday, April 17, to Saturday, April 19 with a student-led live band and a glam rock take on fairy magic.
According to Broken Box teacher Lisa Battle, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of “Shakespeare’s most iconic, probably overdone pieces of theatre.” It’s a unique comedy play set in ancient Athens near an enchanted forest, weaving together in a fever dream of romance, conflict, and ridiculousness.
Those familiar with Shakespeare might recite the storyline easily. For those who aren’t, it can be bizarre. There are four intertwined lovers. Hermia wants to marry Lysander, but is forced to marry Demetrius. Meanwhile, Helena loves Demetrius, but Demetrius does not reciprocate her love. The four lovers run off to the enchanted forest and experience chaos, strange fairy royalty, and magic.
This year’s production took to the stage with a “glam rock”, David Bowie inspired vision in mind: the live band, the glitter disco ball, the sparkling rhinestones, and the colorful LED lights all give life to that vision.
“Broken Box has never done anything like this,” director senior Nathan Coleman said. “It’s so different from everything we’ve done before, and we’re trying so many things.”
Nathan implemented a completely new lighting package, and brought in new LED lights to capture the glamour. Plus, the never seen before band came to life under short notice for the sake of production.
“This is one of the hardest shows we’ve put on this year,” junior Isabel Malobrodsky said, who plays a fairy band member.
The play’s score — composed by Nathan specifically for the performance — took weeks to learn at a performance level. While all band members have past musical experience, the bassist, senior Ace Fenner, had to pick up bass for the first time for the play.
“Nathan composed everything, and it’s super impressive — it really gives the glam rock essence we were looking for,” Isabel said.
Beyond the band, the cast faced difficulty in conveying emotion in a clear manner due to the Shakespearean language. Blending the line between historical language and a rock aesthetic became an aspect the cast spent much of their time wrestling with.
Despite the obstacles, the cast have high hopes.
“I’m trying to make it as good as we can make it,” Nathan said. “That’s why I’m pouring so much time into it, and I think everyone’s feeling that.”
“All my seniors are shining,” Battle said. “This is their last show.”
To commemorate their years of theatre together, many of Broken Box’s seniors are taking on lead roles. Senior Sawyer Eaton, for one, plays a memorable role as the fairy king’s mischievous servant, Puck.
“We spend a lot of time at school preparing,” Sawyer said. “But I’m ready to spend all that time with these people. I know this play, I know what’s happening in it, I’m ready to perform.”
The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and curtains at 7:00 p.m in the Eagle Theatre. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for general admission, available at the door and online through the school’s website. Find them on Instagram at @lahsbrokenbox for more updates.
