Galloway's Return to Theatre: Midsummer Night's Dream

It’s been two years since Galloway put on a true, in-person theater production, two years since actors have taken the stage to share their passion with the school community. Two years since faculty and students have poured into the theater, eager to see a production. This November, the Galloway Upper Learning Theater Company finally returned to the stage for the first time in two years with a production of the iconic Shakespeare comedy, Midsummer Night’s Dream. The production, directed by Ms. Megan Cramer, was a spectacular return to the Galloway stage. The show selection was masterful, as the production was clearly an ensemble show that showcased the talents of each student . Each talented student contributed to the unison of the story perfectly. This was one of the reasons that Midsummer Night’s Dream wasn’t just a show, it was an experience. Midsummer is a 1595 Shakespeare comedy which follows the love lives of Hermia, Demetrius, Lysander and Helena. The story also ventures through other interweaving plot lines that eventually interconnect in the final scenes of the show.  

From the moment the lights dimmed, I felt like I had entered a different world. As actors rose from the stage, baring mystic lights, I felt captivated by the story. The ethereal lighting added to the mystic aura of the show. As the actors first entered, with bubbles and steam trailing them, I learned this show wouldn’t be a traditional Shakespearean performance, but an engaging ride for the audience. The colorful set was beautifully designed, adding to the dreamlike ambience of the show. This was fitting, as the show is supposed to be viewed through the scope of a dream. Ms. Cramer, the other students, and the faculty that worked on the project did a spectacular job incorporating modern elements into a Shakespearian show. It is so easy for a Shakespearean show to be generic and even boring. But the Galloway Theatre Company achieved wild success in making the show a spectacle, something to behold. I found myself pulled into the flashing lights and coercing story for the entire ninety minutes. Congratulations to Ms. Cramer and the entire cast of the show for providing such a magical experience!

This moment was so gratifying for the cast and crew, who have been working tirelessly to make Galloway’s official return to theater perfect. That shone through every aspect of the performance. I truly saw the joy and passion of every performer shine through the stage, and it was beautiful. Midsummer Night’s Dream was a dazzling return to Galloway Theater that will hopefully set the stage for future productions as Galloway students return to performance.