dreamshark

Richard's birthday was Friday, but he was hosting his usual game party so we celebrated on Saturday instead. Usually we go out to dinner, but since we've been dieting that seemed like a bad idea. Besides, it was a big birthday so it seemed like it needed something special. I checked the Guthrie schedule first, since I'd bought a great outfit that seemed to scream "Take me to the Guthrie!" Turns out a huge, splashy production of Midsummer Night's Dream was opening right on Richard's birthday. Seemed like the perfect choice, so that's where we went last night.

It was truly spectacular, I must say! Lots of light show (I knew Richard would like that!) Scary punk-Maori fairies descending from the ceiling, doing Cirque de Soleil type aerial acrobatics, and occasionally flying over the audience! It was a very... strenuous interpretation. Oberon and Puck were constantly throwing spells at the mortals and lower-status fairies - the kinds of spells that send people reeling backwards across the stage or (even trickier) raising sleepers slowly up off the stage and rotating them into position for whatever was about to happen to them next. Tons of dancing and other acrobatics, a little singing, and excellent acting from the mostly very young cast. The sold-out house gave them a much-deserved standing ovation. It's probably going to sell out through its entire run, but it looks like there are still a few tickets available for midweek shows.