As the lights dimmed in the Lennie and John de Csepel Theatre, the audience eagerly anticipated the opening of the Sacred Heart Greenwich theatre department’s performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, where the stage transformed into the world of ancient Athens. The Sacred Heart community and guests enjoyed the show November 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. The production of Shakespeare’s 1595 comedy displayed romance, humor, and magical realism.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream follows the story of four young lovers, playful fairies, and a group of actors who find themselves caught up in magic, mischief, and confusion. Senior Piera Coppola played Hermia, a young girl who is determined to marry Lysander, portrayed by senior Natasha Stewart, the man she loves, despite her father’s wish for her to marry Demetrius, portrayed by sophomore Elizabeth Hartnett. Senior Ava Clear played Helena, Hermia’s devoted friend, who feels betrayed when Hermia appears to win the heart of Demetrius, whom she loves. Senior Moira Marangi portrayed Puck, an energetic and mischievous jester who casts a love spell on Lysander and Demetrius, causing both of them to fall in love with Helena. Miss Michaela Gorman ’05, Upper School Theatre Teacher and Director of Theatrical Productions, collaborated with Miss Danielle Gennaro ’05, Bell Choir Director and Technical Director, to organize and bring this production to life.
Hermia and Helena’s relationship demonstrates the complexities of romance and friendship, as love and jealousy threaten to ruin their bond. Piera brought determination and conviction to her portrayal of Hermia, showcasing the tireless love between Hermia and Lysander and her frustration with Helena’s suspected betrayal. Ava played Helena with vulnerability and emotion as she navigated her love for Demetrius and her struggle with Hermia’s actions. Desperation deeply shapes Helena’s character in her desperation to win Demetrius’s heart, even if it means betraying Hermia’s secret plans of marriage to Lysander. This betrayal leads to a clash between Hermia and Helena in the enchanted forest where accusations and heated arguments take place. Soon, Puck intervenes with his magic to restore balance and order between the four Athenians.
The production emphasized the themes of love and transformation and included imaginative costumes. Sophomore Carrigan Willie-Lawes and freshman Angelina Clear played two fairies, wearing intricate and vibrant costumes to reflect the enchantment of the forest. Angelina commented on how the costumes allowed her to better understand and express her character.
“The fairy costumes offered a stark contrast to Athens’ society and the woods,” Angelina said. “The costumes helped me to differentiate between the two different worlds and helped me to express the craziness of the woods.”
Additionally, Miss Gorman infused the play with comedy by emphasizing physical humor, incorporating deliberately clumsy actions and hilarious awkward moments. Junior Callie Regnery showcased this comedy in her performance of Nick Bottom, a weaver who transforms into a donkey under Puck’s mischievous spell. Callie’s humorous delivery drew laughter from the audience and displayed the lighthearted charm of a classic Shakespearean comedy. The dynamic between Bottom and Titania, portrayed by senior Colette Minton, added a fun touch of humor to the play. Titania, the fairy queen, becomes enchanted with Bottom under the influence of a spell, emphasizing the humor in their unlikely pairing. Callie reflected on how she enjoyed playing a humorous character and appreciated the directors’ dedication to the production.
“I really like this play,” Callie said. “I think it is nice to switch it up because we have done a lot of tragedies, but this year we did a comedy. It’s really fun to play a comical character, and see how the audience responds to the jokes and humor of the script. I think Miss Gennaro and Miss Gorman do a great job of helping us to prepare and enjoy the process. Sometimes it can be stressful, but they are so supportive and really are dedicated to us developing on stage, but also just as people and teaching us very valuable life lessons of hard work and determination.”
Featured Image by Michaela White ’26
