Dream On...

(clockwise from bottom left) Dylan DoVale, Ryan Jones, Jaycob Hunter, Jordan
Bellow, Rudy Martinez, Emmett Lee Stang, Susannah Schulman, Jennifer Stang
and Patrick Kerr in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

On Friday, January 28, First Night of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Segerstrom Stage was packed with subscribers and their guests, who watched in awe as Director Mark Rucker’s inventive production unfolded with song, dance, romance and a unbridled spirit of playfulness.

After the show, Honorary Producer Laurie Smits Staude couldn’t contain her enthusiasm.  “This is theater history,” she said, “and I urge everyone to come see this production, not once but several times.  You won’t be disappointed!"

Joining Laurie were her two sons and members of their families, who made the trek to California from North Carolina and Canada just to see the show she had raved so about.

Doug McCrea, Managing Director, Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, the play’s Corporate Honorary Producer, said, “Opening night of A Midsummer Night’s Dream was thoroughly enjoyed by our employees and clients alike.  The performance was first-rate!”

And soon the critics had joined in the praise:

“Director Mark Rucker propels the Bard’s play into a wild and woolly world of its own … A big, bright, daffy rainbow to brag about … Provokes seismic laughter.”

– Los Angeles Times

“Seduces, rocks and amuses … Infectious … Mark Rucker brings his usual inventiveness and coy sense of humor to ‘Dream.’

– Orange County Register

See photos and read more about the Cast Party (with additional enthusiastic quotes from Doug McCrea and Laurie Smits Staude.