A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Oakland Tech’s fall play for the 2024-25 school year, wrapped up on Saturday, November 16th, to a chorus of applause and cheers. Although the play is an almost 400-year-old Shakespearean comedy, originally set in ancient Greece, the Oakland Tech drama department’s adaptation brings the characters to life in a 70’s California mill town.
“I chose A Midsummer Night’s Dream for one simple reason,” Ms. Egan writes in the director’s note. “It brings joy.” With dynamic dance numbers, colorful scenes, and superb vocals, OakTech Rep brought that energy to the stage while adding their own unique twist to the classic Shakespeare play.
The bright, sparkling—no doubt, 70’s inspired—costumes immediately captured the eye. Everything from leather jackets to Hawaiian button-downs and glittering red dresses were worn throughout the play, effectively distinguishing the drama department’s choice of a 70’s time period from the original ancient Grecian setting. Shimmering makeup and glittering jewelry captivated the eyes of the audience.
Complimenting the costumes was the striking two-story set that the actors incorporated throughout the story. Starting at the Duke’s house, pastel blue shutters and double doors were constructed to give the illusion of changing color in between scenes, wowing the audience. When the stage went dark, it was go time. Working quickly, the Techies flipped the doors, revealing the green, vine-covered sides, transporting the audience into the fairy palace.
Although the set contributed to the flow of the story, at moments it also distracted from the play. Sheer curtains in the back, intending to let in light and ambiance, betrayed actors and Techies as they passed, signaling to the audience that someone was behind the double doors and distracting from the main action on stage. Yet, the set was still a construction wonder. It didn’t have two stories for nothing, as actors utilized both from the very beginning with an energetic opening performance to the song “Blame it on the Boogie.”
The play began with a dance number, a burst of light, color, and sound, which offered an exciting start, enthralling the audience. As for the actors, a palpable sense of their personalities and relationships kept the audience entertained throughout the play. A Midsummer Night’s Dream had it all: an amusing mix of comedy, love, fighting, dancing, music, and… another play?
A crowd favorite was the dramatic and self-assertive weaver, Nick Bottom (Vaughn Easterday), who is cast as Pyramus in the Mechanical’s play that takes place within the actual play. Bottom provided comedic relief with well-timed jokes, a strong personality, and a donkey’s head.
The actors weren’t the only ones doing wonders for the play. Unsung heroes included Tech Techie light designers Teo Tsui and Caleb Zualaf. Caleb’s expert operation of the lights during showtime added an extra dimension, complementing the mood of the play and drew the audience closer into the story. Pink lights sent bolts of energy throughout the crowd to signify love on stage; a faint green glow marked the magical forest; and a blue backlight highlighted the play inside of the play. You can’t forget Oliver Maitland’s sound design, which matched perfectly with the scenes, enhancing their dramatic and comedic moments.
Overall, OakTech Rep’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream was undoubtedly a success. The play was an effective adaptation of a revered classic, a wonderful achievement under the drama department’s belt, thanks to the efforts of everyone who contributed on and off the stage. We are looking forward to Tech’s upcoming production of Mamma Mia! in the spring. Hope to see you there!