The curtain is opening again at the William Woods University Theatre in Fulton, today through Saturday.
Fairies, adventures, a wedding, a donkey and more are part of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The latest theater production from William Woods University has something from everyone.
This comedy is one of Shakespeare's most famous works, and is perfect for the holiday season.
"This play is all about magic and celebration - just what people want right now," Joe Potter, professor and artistic director of theatre, said.
The university hasn't performed Shakespeare since the early 2000s, and everyone is thrilled to bring it back.
"Both kids and adults need to experience Shakespeare and understand that it's not scary," says Potter. "Shakespeare was just a guy trying to make a buck by writing plays and selling tickets. 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is a family-friendly entrance into his world and language."
Melissa Alpers-Springer, assistant professor of communications, is the director of the play. To make it flow better, she condensed the script based on several different adaptations and combined roles so most of the 11-person cast performs multiple parts.
"I have been so impressed by our student actors," Alpers-Springer said. "They are excited and energetic, bringing ideas to rehearsal and molding the characters. It's such a fun show to perform and to watch."
The cast includes: Elizabeth Gibson, Julia Carney, Jessie Trapp, Jessica Fleeman, Kelley Barr, Elisa Parker, Justin Queen, Katrina Krieg, Olivia Davidson, Caitlyn Ney and Koriie VanWinkle.
Students helping out in crew roles include: Michelle Woods, Sarah Williams, Chandler Bramstedt, Cody Pezold, Mikayla Laburay, Stephanie Walker, Jessica Fleeman, Sage Gosset, Bené Waggoner and Melissa Williams.
The sets and lights were designed by William Woods alumnus, Joe Merlotti 2016.
But what is the best part of the show?
"The donkey ears," Alpers-Springer laughed. "They make everyone crack up every time."
The play is being performed today through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m., at Dulany Auditorium on the William Woods campus in Fulton.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children (612), and $6 for seniors (62+). Group rates are available for 10 or more.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.williamwoods.edu/mainstage or call 573-592-4267.
William Woods University is an independent, professions-oriented, liberal arts-based institution serving the educational needs of both men and women. William Woods has an enrollment of about 3,500 students, and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines in campus and outreach settings and online.
The 225-acre main campus is located in the mid-Missouri community of Fulton. Since its founding in 1870, the mission of William Woods has been to provide a quality education while ensuring the development of the individual.