John Catron, as Oberon, commands the stage as the fairy king in the Guthrie Theater’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ running through March 23. Photo by Dan Norman
If you’re looking for a night of theatrical magic, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Guthrie Theater absolutely delivers. From the moment the stage transforms into a dreamy, flower-drenched forest, it’s clear this production is something special. The set is breathtaking – cascading blooms, soft glowing lights, and a fairy-tale atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world.
Remy Auberjonois, as Nick Bottom, and Regina Marie Williams, as Titania, share a whimsical moment in the magical forest, capturing the play’s humor and enchantment. Photo by Dan Norman
But “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is more than a visual spectacle – it’s also one of Shakespeare’s funniest plays, and this production leans into the comedy brilliantly. With four interwoven stories – royal lovers caught in romantic chaos, mischievous fairies playing tricks, and bumbling tradesmen rehearsing a play-within-the-play – there’s never a dull moment. The crisscrossing storylines bring constant surprises, misunderstandings, and magical mishaps, all performed with impeccable timing and energy.
And let me just say – Dustin Bronson, as Snug in the play-within-the-play, stole the show. His portrayal of the lion had the audience in stitches, with full-on belly laughs and even some wiping away tears. His blend of physical comedy and over-the-top delivery made his scenes electric.Now, a heads-up: the show is long. At two hours and 30 minutes, it’s a commitment – probably a tough sit for little kids. But honestly, the time flew by. I was so wrapped up in the story (and let’s be honest, giggling at the absurdity of it all) that I barely noticed the length.
And then came the surprise at the end. Without giving anything away, it was so unexpectedly powerful that I nearly sobbed. I struggled to hold it together, wiping away tears as discreetly as possible. The emotional depth of that final scene added an incredible layer to an already spellbinding evening.
Bottom line: This “Midsummer” is a must-see. Whether you’re a Shakespeare enthusiast or just looking for a wildly fun, visually stunning night out, this production delivers. Go see it – you’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, and if you’re anything like me, you might even shed a few tears.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs through March 23 at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Tickets are available at the box office or guthrietheater.org.
The cast of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” brings Shakespeare’s comedy to life with vibrant performances and dynamic energy. Photo by Dan Norman
Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Do you have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at rachel.engstrom@eplocalnews.org.