Delaware Shakespeare will turn Wilmington’s central plaza into a magical forest full of laughter and love as PNC Arts Alive Presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” from September 16-19, 2021 at Rodney Square. This free, outdoor production is presented in partnership with the City of Wilmington and Mayor Michael S. Purzycki.
 
“We’re excited to return to full production with what we think is the first theatre performance ever in Rodney Square,” said David Stradley, producing artistic director. “We could all use a little more magic in our lives, and a little more love. This play gives us both. We’re grateful to the City of Wilmington for inviting us to perform at Rodney Square, and to PNC for helping to make it free for the whole community.”
 
“We’ve long recognized just how vital the arts and cultural sector is to our community. The PNC team is once again excited to support the arts and cultural organizations in the Delaware Valley,” said Joe Meterchick, PNC regional president for Philadelphia, Delaware and Southern New Jersey.  “The arts and culture strengthen the local economy and have the power to bring people together. Now, as we look forward to resuming everyday activities, we invite our neighbors to join us and be a part of art.”
 
One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” takes us to an enchanted woods where confused lovers, bumbling actors, and powerful fairies all meet to pursue their wildest dreams. The production will be directed by Bi Jean Ngo, who helmed Del Shakes’ biggest box office success with 2018’s “Much Ado About Nothing” and has been creating programming through the COVID-19 pandemic as a member of Del Shakes’ Artistic Quad.
 
"This is a chance for us to re-engage with each other as a community and to celebrate our humanity,” said Ngo. “Come join us for a ‘most rare vision’ and bring your biggest dreams."
 
A wonderful ensemble of nine actors will bring twenty-one characters to life, and features some faces familiar to Del Shakes fans. Returning actors include Annie Fang (“Shakespeare in Song”), Mariah Ghant (“Rosalind x 3”), Eric Mills (“Much Ado About Nothing”) and David Pica (“The Merry Wives of Windsor”). Todd Townsend, winner of Del Shakes’ 2021 Virtual Fundraiser “Play On!”, will take the stage as Egeus and Quince. The production will include live music composed by Arreon Harley-Emerson and Jonathan Whitney. A chorus of students and volunteers from The Choir School of Delaware will add their voices to the atmosphere at Rodney Square.
 
“Free Shakespeare in the heart of the city is a hallmark of world-class destinations,” said Tina Betz, director of cultural affairs for the City of Wilmington. “This collaboration with Del Shakes adds to the momentum building in Wilmington as an amazing city for the arts.”
 
The performance is free to the public, and will last approximately 90 minutes.  Seating is first come, first served. Audience members must bring their own chair (no more than 30” high) or a blanket for seating. The event will confirm with all local public health guidelines.
 
For more information about Delaware Shakespeare, visit delshakes.org, call 302.468.4890 or email info@delshakes.org. Images and interviews available upon request.
 
About Delaware Shakespeare:
Now in its nineteenth season, Delaware Shakespeare creates year-round professional theatre and learning programs for residents and friends of the State of Delaware. At Del Shakes, people from all walks of life celebrate and explore their shared humanity through the lens of Shakespearean work. 
 

IF YOU GO:
WHAT:              “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
WHEN:              September 16-18 at 7pm; September 19 at 2pm
WHERE:           Rodney Square, 1000 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
COST:                Free (donations will be accepted)
INFO:                 delshakes.org