'The Play's the Thing'

Ilex, Drake, Levi, and Puck

Ilex, Drake, Othello, and Levi

Shakespeare's Greatest Hits VII and The King's Players presented scenes from Othello and A Midsummer Night's Dream. We were so thrilled to be attending a high-quality performance by homeschooled students, ages 11-18, who obviously took their work and 'play' very seriously.

Othello was strong, heartfelt, and tragic. A Midsummer Night's Dream was hilarious and simply delightful! My sister and I enjoyed every minute, as did her kiddos, Ilex and Drake. Levi did so well considering that he sat for two hours of Shakespeare in a very hot building. He said that Puck was his favorite. We had read Edith Nesbit's children's versions of both stories as well as listened to Jim Weiss's version of A Midsummer Night's Dream, so he was familiar with the characters and plot (although, I must admit that we were both a bit muddled when reading Othello). The actors brought the plays alive for all of us. Somehow, I had no idea how comical A Midsummer Night's Dream could be. Maybe that is why it is called a comedy, no?

I'd give this outing and performance five stars!

I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,
With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Act ii. Scene.1