Act More In BALTIMORE
A Springtime Dream: My Enchanting Journey with Everyman Theatre's "A Midsummer Night’s Dream"
Springtime in Baltimore brought an extra touch of magic this year, and I had the incredible privilege of being part of it. This past season, I took on the dual roles of Hippolyta and Titania in William Shakespeare’s whimsical masterpiece, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," at the renowned Everyman Theatre. Under the visionary direction of Noah Himmelstein, this production was nothing short of a fairy-tale experience.
A Dreamy Start
From the moment I stepped into Everyman Theatre, I knew I was in for something special. The theatre's vibrant and welcoming atmosphere set the stage for a production that was both innovative and deeply rooted in Shakespearean tradition. As the cherry blossoms bloomed around Baltimore, our rehearsal space felt like a magical forest where the boundary between reality and fantasy gently blurred.
Playing Royalty in Bloom
Portraying both Hippolyta, the fierce Queen of the Amazons, and Titania, the enchanting Queen of the Fairies, was a delightful challenge. Hippolyta's strength and grace contrasted beautifully with Titania’s ethereal charm and whimsy. These roles offered a unique opportunity to explore contrasting worlds, from the regal confines of Athens to the mystical forest where magic reigns supreme.
CREATIVE MAGIC AND COLLABORATION
Our production was a testament to the power of collaboration, featuring a remarkable team of artists. Set designer Daniel Ettinger crafted an immersive world that seamlessly transported audiences from Athens to the enchanted woods. David Burdick’s costume designs were nothing short of spectacular, capturing the essence of each character with elegance and creativity.
The auditory magic of Pornchanok Kanchanabanca’s sound design and the enchanting lighting by Aja Jackson brought the world of fairies and fantasy to life. Choreographer Shalyce Hembley’s choreography added a graceful fluidity to the performances, making the magical scenes even more captivating.
A Review That Sparkles
The DC Theatre Arts review beautifully captured the essence of our portrayal of the royal characters. As Titania and Hippolyta, we were depicted as regal yet delightfully complex—sometimes petty, jealous, and intriguingly human. It was an exhilarating challenge to embody these multifaceted roles and explore the rich emotional landscapes Shakespeare created.
Gratitude and Applause
I am immensely grateful to the entire Everyman Theatre family for their unwavering support and dedication. Diane Healy, our stage manager, and Assistant Stage Manager Jalon Payton ensured that every performance went off without a hitch, their behind-the-scenes efforts truly making the magic happen.
Working with such a talented ensemble was an inspiring experience. Each rehearsal and performance was infused with creativity, collaboration, and a shared passion for storytelling. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of this extraordinary production and to have experienced the joy of bringing Shakespeare’s dreamlike world to life.
A Magical Spring to Remember
As the spring sun warmed Baltimore and the theatre’s doors opened to enthusiastic audiences, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" became a memorable highlight of the season. If you ever find yourself in Baltimore, make sure to visit Everyman Theatre. The magic of live theatre, combined with the creativity and dedication of its team, promises an unforgettable experience.
Thank you, Everyman Theatre, for this incredible opportunity. Here’s to the enchantment of theatre and the many dreams yet to be dreamed!
With heartfelt thanks and a touch of fairy dust,
Andreá Bellamore
