Susquehanna Stage’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" Shines with New Orleans Twist

Susquehanna Stage’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Jeremy Patterson, is a creative, energetic, laugh-out-loud reinvention of Shakespeare’s classic. Transporting the action to New Orleans, complete with jazz and Southern charm, Patterson gives the familiar comedy a fresh personality that works beautifully. The entire cast deserves credit for making Shakespearean language accessible, turning it into relatable drama, comedy, and satire. Chris D’Imperio’s lovable Lysander and Griffin Yeyna’s Demetrius share terrific chemistry, while Rachel Duong brings a grounded presence to Hermia and Jordyn McCrady’s Helena delivers excellent comedic timing. Marquas Fountain’s Oberon blends brawny brute with mischievous trickster, and Elizabeth Stauffer’s Titania is playful and commanding. Chrissy Nickels is a delightfully sprite-like Puck, complete with a beautiful musical solo. But the Mechanicals ultimately steal the show. Tim Riggs is extraordinary as Nick Bottom, surrounded by terrific comic turns from Alexander Bannon, Elvis Smith, Peter Cote, Jered Mackison, and Jed Hoffman. As someone who isn't normally a Shakespeare enthusiast, I had a fabulous night�'and my Shakespeare-loving wife may have found her favorite Midsummer yet.

_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/central-pa/article/Review-A-MIDSUMMER-NIGHTS-DREAM-at-Susquehanna-Stage-20260927)._