Date: Fri 06-Mar-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: DONNAM

Quick Words:

Yale-Rep-Midsummer-April

Full Text:

(rev "Midsummer Night's Dream" @Yale Rep)

Theatre Review--

Skip "Dream," Wait For Summer

(with cut)

By June April

NEW HAVEN -- In 1935, director Max Reinhardt's film A Midsummer Night's Dream

appeared. Having watched it several times, and over the years having

experienced numerous versions of this wonderful Shakespearean creation, both

on the stage (professional and amateur) and screen, the current Yale

production by comparison is more like a mid-winter's nightmare.

Strongly traditional, and appreciative of Shakespeare done with an eye and ear

to his words and period, updated interpretations of the Bard's works have been

largely disappointing.

So when the strains of Strauss' waltz Tales of the Vienna Woods were heard

upon entering the hallowed Yale Chapel Street Theatre for a performance last

weekend, an impending sense of apprehension was heightened. With additional

musical inclusions -- "cutesy" touches such as "Home on the Range" and "Oh,

Susannah" -- bemoaned the excluded incidental music of Mendelssohn is terribly

missed.

The original music composed by Yale graduate Robert Maggio and beautifully

played by flautist Leonardo Hiertz and guitarist Jeffrey Hanlon made bearable

what might have otherwise been regarded as one of the more painful nights at a

theatre in recent memory.

A presentation of the graduating acting class, Yale's impression of Midsummer

Night's Dream is a special project of the Yale School of Drama. Unfortunately,

the thespian skills of a number of the student actors in most other occasions

has been shown to far greater advantage in many other occasions.

A prime example is Josh Robinson. As a Canadian Ace Pilot in one of the Summer

Cabaret productions, the handsome young man was powerful and moving in that

role. It was hard to believe it was the same actor in this production. Knowing

the range and abilities of Mr Robinson, one can only conclude the director,

Christopher Grabowski, in spite of his impressive credentials and credits,

made questionable decisions in mounting A Midsummer Night's Dream .

Listening to the diction and the vocal-range training one would expect from

drama students at Yale, some of the squeaky dialogue from the mouth of Hermia

(Tessa Auberjunois) was enough to make one shudder. As the frustrated Helen,

Magaly Colimon fared much better.

The vocal skills of Gregory Sobeck (Theseus, Duke of Athens) and KesKhemnu

(Oberon, King of the Fairies) were vastly superior, as was the majority of the

male cast members.

To be fair, it should be acknowledged that the play within the play, "The most

lamentable comedy and most cruel death of Pyramus and Thisbe," is one of the

most effective and certainly most delightful features of this production. It

is here costume designer Jenny Fulton redeems herself with her black and white

caricatured-type costumes.

For those with a strong sense of curiosity, go see this production.

Shakespeare lovers and those who have never seen any of the Bard's works are

encouraged to pass this one up. Just remember, Summer Cabaret season is a few

short months away.

A Midsummer Night's Dream plays through March 14. For tickets, call 432-1234.

Prices range from $25 to $32. The theatre is on the corner of Chapel and York.