Grosse Pointe South's Pointe Players Present 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

This weekend, Grosse Pointe South's Auditorium will be transformed into a magical forest replete with fairies, sprites and lovelorn couples in the Pointe Players' production of William Shakespeare's, "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

South junior Jack Daley plays the role of Puck, the mischievious sprite that is central to the play's momentum and serves up laughs on a regular basis.

Daley said he enjoys the role because it is physically demanding with lots of leaps, jumps and crouching.  Indeed, Daley scales a nearly two story precipice only to shoot down a slide into center stage.  As Puck, Daley is absolutely riveting on stage and captivates the audience with his athleticism and comedic timing.

The play's female romantic lead, Hermia, is played by South senior, Emma Hintzen. While this is Hintzen's first time as a romantic lead, she has been acting since she was in grade school with groups like the Grosse Pointe Theatre and the Detroit Masonic Temple Theatre.

Hermia is one of the lovelorn in the play that is torn between the affections of two suitors.  Hintzen said she can appreciate her character's complexities as they mirror modern teen life.

"When you're a teenager, you never know who's going to love you or hate you from one day to the next...I can definitely draw upon some life experiences," Hintzen laughed.

Playing Oberon, King of the Fairies, is John Leo, a sophomore.  Leo did not originally audition for the role but likes the part because of the interaction with his character and Daley's Puck.  Leo joked, "It's good to be king!"

Director Lois Bendler promises theatre goers "some surprises" in the Pointe Players' production of the more than 400-year-old comedy.  While the show is the traditional interpretation of Shakespeare's play, Bendler uses contemporary music and other modern references to make the show resonate with audiences today.

Bendler, who has worked with Grosse Pointe South's theatre program for nine years, is a veteran actor and director with the Grosse Pointe Theatre and other groups.  She is also directing a production of "Doubt" for Grosse Pointe Theater in the spring.

The sumptuous set designed by Dan Vicary and the rich costumes transport viewers to another world--one of fairies, love potions, lovesick couples and big laughs. Don't miss this quality production of Shakespeare's most popular play!

Opening night is Friday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Grosse Pointe South Auditorium.  Additional shows are Saturday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 and $10 for students and seniors.