Kelsey Davis

Montgomery Advertiser

Months after her death, Harper Lee continues to facilitate a legacy of arts and literature in Alabama. Last Spring, Harper signed up to sponsor the Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

That show, which was the first play ever put on by ASF, will open on April 8 – marking ASF’s 30th year in Montgomery.

“She (Lee) had sponsored King Lear in the past. That was one of her favorite plays, and then she went on to sponsor this one. I feel it’s an honor,” said Diana Van Fossen, director of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

The production is expected to feature a cast of nearly 30 actors, including a flying faerie or two.

The production is also part of “Shakespeare 400” – ongoing activities throughout the year hosted by Shakespeare festivals all over the world, commemorating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

“It’s a comedy about two lovers who want to get married, but one of the fathers has different ideas,” Van Fossen said. “They go into the forest, and everything gets mixed up with spells and enchantments. … It’s pretty fabulous for what some people consider boring Shakespeare.“

Appearing as our star-crossed lovers, Becca Ballenger (Hermia) and Matthew Goodrich (Lysander) most recently appeared on the ASF stage in the World Premiere production of "White Lightning," and Alice Sherman (Helena) who starred in "Disney’s Mary Poppins" and Jackson Thompson (Demetrius), who makes his ASF debut. ASF audience favorite, Rodney Clark ("White Lightning," "A Christmas Carol") plays Hermia’s disapproving father.

The troupe of would-be actors, whose antics are entirely comedic, includes Brik Berkes ("White Lightning," "Driving Miss Daisy") as Bottom, James Bowen as Philostrate and Paul Hebron as Quince along with Michael Quattrone, Andrew Dahreddine and Parke Fech.

"A Midsummer Night’s Dream"is directed by ASF Associate Artist Diana Van Fossen, who directed critically acclaimed productions of "A Christmas Carol," "The Taming of the Shrew" and "Much Ado About Nothing" at ASF.

The costumes are designed by Brenda Van Der Weil, who recently dazzled ASF audiences with her costume design for "Disney’s The Little Mermaid." Scenic Designer James Wolk brings two worlds to life onstage between the staid grandeur of Athens and forested mystical fairy courts. The artistic team also includes Lighting Designer Travis McHale, Resident Sound Designer William Burns and Movement Consultant, Michael Medcalf, head of Undergraduate Dance at the Alabama State University.

“ASF is the only theatre in the state of Alabama and one of the few theaters in the Southeastern United States capable of mounting Shakespeare on this lavish scale,” says ASF Director of Marketing, Katie Perkowski. “From the hand-made costumes, magnificent set and top-notch talent, ASF is the place to see Shakespeare in the South.”

Want to go?

Performances of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" begin on the Festival stage April 8. Adult tickets start at $30 and may be purchased by calling 800-841-4273, visiting www.asf.net or at the ASF Box Office, located at 1 Festival Drive in the heart of Montgomery’s Blount Cultural Park. As a special promotion for Shakespeare 400, $10 youth tickets are available for performances April 8-30.

Millbrook Community Players celebrate 10 years