Back to All Events

A Midsummer Night's Dream **SOLD OUT**

  • Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier 800 East Grand Avenue Chicago, IL, 60611 United States (map)
Poster art for A Midsummer Night's Dream. A a hand holds up a cell phone to take a picture of the lush green woods. On the phone screen is the title of the play. Text message bubble around the phone show emojis alluding to plot points.

“Lord what fools these mortals be!”

This spring, A.B.L.E. returns to the stage and our classical roots with a multimedia version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, updated for our social-media obsessed times. Our modern adaptation by A.B.L.E. teaching artist Emma MacLean focuses on the themes of connection and disconnection. The king and queen of the fairies are fighting, the mechanicals are rehearsing a play but no one knows their lines, and the Athenian teens keep changing their relationship status. Join ABLE’s ensembles as we miss texts, drop calls, and wander love struck in the Athenian forest.

This multimedia production will weave Shakespeare’s words with original scenes, monologues, songs, and dances devised by our ensembles, as well as animated film sequences from VFX designer Brock Alter. The virtual ensemble will narrate the tale for us as the in-person ensembles take the stage Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

With your ticket, you have the option of participating in a 45 minute interactive workshop led by A.B.L.E.'s team of Creative Associates and Teaching Artists. Audiences can experience some of the games and activities A.B.L.E. used to bring their ideas to the stage, get a touch tour of key costume pieces and props, and try A.B.L.E.'s signature "dropping in" method. This exclusive opportunity is only available to 20 ticket holders each day - reserve your spot when booking your ticket. Click here to view a Social Story for the Workshop.


At this Performance:

The SuNDAY Ensemble appearing ONSTAGE

Actors: Colleen Altman, Colin Baar, Marissa Bloodgood, Jack Butler, Samuel Floersheimer, Peter Grzeslo, Andrew Kosnik, Emily Kwidzinski, Maggie Leal, Jake Solworth, Eric Williams

Facilitators: Amy Bahr, Gretchen Goetzman, Megan Gray, Marilyn Halperin, Jo Jennings, Blake Macias, Kate McDuffie, Susan Sjodin

Teaching Artists: Perry Hunt & Katie Yohe

The Virtual Ensemble appearing ONSCREEN

Actors: Rachel Buchanan, Benjamin Collins, Natalia Janik, Fletcher Jones, Matt La Chapelle, Emily Lavin, Mila Medina, Lucas Miezal, Maddi Perez, Tommy Shimoda

Facilitators: Nette Angelini, Chelsea Hosler, Erica Johnson, Sorcha Pardoe, Julianne Shea, Polly Yukevich

Teaching Artists: Lawrence Kern & Emma MacLean


Pricing:

Pay-what-you-can general admission, starting at $15


Transportation

There are lots of different ways to get to Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The Parking and Directions page on CST's website has lots of information about how to get there. Click here for our Transportation Social Story to learn more about how to find Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

Accessibility:

  • This is a relaxed and sensory friendly performance

  • This performance will be open captioned

  • This performance will be dual ASL interpreted

  • There will be a pre-show touch tour for audience members who are blind/low vision


COVID Safety:

Navy Pier is a busy public space, and you may pass through other unmasked individuals and groups on your way to the theater. However, to ensure our immunocompromised performers and community members with disabilities feel safe and welcome, all audience members must remain masked for the duration of their time in the theater building. Thank you for helping protect the most vulnerable among us.


Can’t attend live?:

That’s okay! Performances will be available to stream on-demand later in 2023


This performance and A.B.L.E.’s 2022-2023 Season was made possible by generous grants from:

And by generous supporters like you!

Later Event: August 6
Shop for ABLE at Athleta