Four Burnaby actors hit the Bernie Legge Theatre stage later this month for what promises to be a contemporary rendition of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
“It’s set in modern day,” said local resident Alex Ross, who plays the character of Francis Flute. “It just makes it a little more relatable, but the story itself is quite timeless.”
The 16th century comedy revolves around the marriage of the Duke of Athens, which includes the adventures of four young lovers, some fairies and a group of six craftsmen, Flute being one of them. Not to mention, this all happens over the course of one single enchanted evening.
The production is being put on by Vagabond Players and Alchemy Theatre, which Ross co-founded last year with some other actors. The group had met on the set of Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet), which was also staged at the Bernie Legge Theatre, and realized they all carried the same passion for acting.
“With community shows, you get a real mixed bag. You get like people who have been doing it their whole lives and they just love it, but there’s also people where it’s sort of a hobby. I don’t feel like any of us were just in it as a hobby,” he said of their desire to create the non-profit organization.
When it came to picking this year’s play, Ross said A Midsummer Night’s Dream made sense because it’s one “everyone can have fun with.”
“So far, all of our shows have been like that, which I think is important, because if we’re having fun, the audience is too,” he added.
One of his favourite parts about rehearsals so far, he noted, has been watching what everyone else is bringing to the table.
“I look forward to what Boris is going to do with Puck, what Rose is doing with Titania, what the lovers are up to, all that kind of stuff, especially since it’s an ensemble cast and I don’t really get to see what the other people are doing.”
Ross, who moved to Burnaby five years ago after finishing a theatre degree in Kamloops, is also a bit of a techie. When not rehearsing as Flute, the 29-year-old can be seen working on the lighting design. Asked what he enjoys more – being behind the scenes or in the spotlight – Ross said it’s performing.
The actor said he hopes Alchemy Theater continues to grow, offering community theatre for a long time to come.
“People hear community theatre and a lot of people roll their eyes, but it’s some of the most talented people I’ve ever seen anywhere,” he said. “I think it’s a very vital part of the community and I hope it continues to be.”
The other three actors from Burnaby are Rose McNeil (Titania), Chris Fofonoff (Starveling) and Nina Dosdall (Cobweb).
A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs from July 29 to Aug. 16 at the Bernie Leggie Theatre in New Westminster, Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $13 for youth and seniors. There are a couple of $10 preview nights on July 29 and 30. For reservations, call 604-521-0412 or email [email protected].
