Lions Players tackle Shakespeare classic
Known for their annual depictions of William Shakespeare classics, the Lion Players at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus are at it again with a comedy.
Their staged performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” opened yesterday, and will continue at 7 p.m. tonight, Friday and Saturday at the Maggie Hardy Magerko Auditorium in the Community Center.
“It has fairies, young lovers, and it’s kind of magical,” said Lynn Pepko, faculty at Penn State Fayette.
This particular show featuring Theseus, Hippolyta, Egeus, Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius and Helena — to name a few — has been performed several times in the past, the most recent being about seven years ago. This performance is directed by senior Joseph Onesi.
Pepko said a highlight of the production is when the fairy queen turns one of the townsmen into a jackass.
“It’s always good for a laugh,” she said.
She said comedy is the overall tone of the story, even though it starts out on a more serious note.
The Lion Players, which have been around and performing Shakespeare since 1998, is comprised of students.
Some of them receive class credit, while others come and enjoy the atmosphere on a volunteer basis.
Taylor White, a sophomore, is dealing with more of the business side of things for this particular production. But she says the experience, from a student standpoint, is valuable.
“It’s a great experience, I’ve never done anything like this before,” she said. “It gets you out of your comfort zone. You meet new people and are willing to do new things.”
“And on the business side, I’m able to network with the community and advertise and learn the logistics of these new programs,” she added.
White noted that the thing they enjoy most is the feeling of being free, and being able to be who they want to be.
In terms of audience members coming to see this Shakespeare classic, Pepko said she hopes to break the taboo that Shakespeare is an “untouchable god in literature.”
“Some people read him and don’t understand or like it, but we want you to see it in action and know that it’s fun,” Pepko said. “Come with that understanding, and interact and laugh with us on stage. Know that it’s supposed to be a presentation to have fun with.”
“It’ll be hard to outdo last year, but this is one we’ve gone all out on,” she said.
Admission to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is free.