“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Cabrillo Playhouse
Shakespeare's Whimsy Meets the Soulful Spirit of 1920s New Orleans
By Anne Reid
Shakespeare’s beloved romantic comedy "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" has enchanted audiences for centuries with its magical blend of love, mischief, and fantasy. This year, the Cabrillo Playhouse is reimagining the classic with a vibrant twist, setting the tale amid the sultry, mysterious backdrop of 1920s New Orleans.
In one of the most famous literary love quadrangles, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" tells the story of Hermia, Demetrius, Lysander, and Helena—four misguided lovers whose journey into the enchanted woods leads to even greater misadventures as the fairy kingdom uses them as veritable pawns in its own whimsical love games. Against the backdrop of Duke Theseus and Hippolyta’s wedding and the fiery battle of wills between the Fairy King and Queen, Oberon and Titania, this production challenges the four lovers to finally work out what love is all about, blending Shakespeare’s timeless wit with the vivacity of New Orleans.
"We wanted to create a fresh take on the story while maintaining the essence of Shakespeare’s work," said director Eric Modyman. "The idea actually came from my wife, Chelsea Caracoza, who is also playing Hermia in the production. We even traveled to New Orleans to immerse ourselves in its rich history and culture, which really shaped the show’s aesthetic."
For Modyman, this production is more than just another show—it's a labor of love that has been years in the making. "I first read 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' in eighth grade and was immediately hooked. I had been pitching the show for years, but many theaters were hesitant to stage Shakespeare. During the pandemic, I created an online theater troupe and finally brought my vision to life. The response was overwhelming."
Building on that success, Modyman later staged "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" on the Cabrillo Playhouse’s outdoor patio in 2023. "It sold out almost immediately," he recalled. "We initially thought we’d bring it back for another limited run, but the demand was so high that we were given a full four-week slot in the main season."
Modyman has been directing at Cabrillo since 2015, helming one to three productions per season. His résumé includes "The Importance of Being Earnest," "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike," "Boeing Boeing," "Every Brilliant Thing," and last season's "Much Ado About Nothing."
"The theater is a bit of a trek for me—I come from Rancho Cucamonga—but the support I’ve received here has made it worthwhile," he said. "We have a mix of returning actors from last year’s 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' and some brand-new faces, including performers making their stage debuts. My only expectation is that everyone gives 100%."
Despite never having formal Shakespearean training, Modyman has developed a knack for making the Bard’s work accessible to modern audiences. "Purists might hate my approach, but my goal is always clarity and engagement. If the audience understands and connects with the show, I consider it a success."
Casting always brings uncertainty, particularly when it comes to male roles in Orange County. "We joke that if you’re a male and have a pulse, you get cast," Modyman laughed. "Luckily, I have a solid network of actors who enjoy working with me, which eases the pressure."
His favorite part of the process? Watching his actors grow into their roles. "Seeing them build confidence and make bold choices is incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing better than when an actor finds a new comedic bit that makes me laugh uncontrollably, and I immediately say, 'That’s staying in the show!'"
Now in its 71st season, the Cabrillo Playhouse is a nonprofit community theater with a 64-seat venue and plans for future expansion. Artistic Director Michael Lopez, who has led the theater for a decade, expressed confidence in Modyman’s work. "Eric has directed at least one show a year for us since I’ve been here. He’s incredibly popular with our actors, crew, and staff, and I can’t wait to see what he does with this production."
With a passionate director, a unique setting, and a fresh take on a Shakespearean classic, Cabrillo Playhouse’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" promises to be a magical theatrical experience.
Anne Reid is a writer, public & community relations expert, and theatre mom.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Cabrillo Playhouse
202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente
February 28 - March 23, 2025
(949) 295-4146, CabrilloPlayhouse.org
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