A Midsummer Night's Dream brings a taste of New Orleans to the Arts Theatre
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
RUBY in the Dust is presenting William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the Arts Theatre’s new studio space – from August 12 (previews from August 4) to August 30, 2015.
Set in the ‘Birthplace of Jazz’, the tale unfolds from the crumbling New Orleans jazz clubs and out into the Louisiana Bayous, bringing to life Shakespeare’s text amidst the dark imagination of the American Deep South.
Underscored with the inimitable sound of New Orleans Jazz and Blues, played live by the cast of actor/musicians, A Midsummer Night’s Dream features the music of Dr. John, Louis Armstrong, Randy Newman and Professor Longhair, among others.
Musical Director, Joe Evans, is thrilled to have the blessing of Dr. John to include his most famous songs in the show, as well as Disney’s permission to include Randy Newman’s Oscar nominated song Down In New Orleans, famously sung by Dr. John for the hit movie The Princess and the Frog.
Adapted and edited by Linnie Reedman, A Midsummer Night’s Dream stays faithful to the original text, whilst exploring the rich culture of New Orleans and the surrounding influences of early twentieth century Voodoo.
Oberon and Titania are portrayed as “The Night Tripper” and Voodoo Queen respectively, the ‘Mechanicals’ form one of the earliest New Orleans jazz bands and ‘the play within a play’ evolves into a Mardis Gras style jam session.
On Friday and Saturday evenings any musically minded audience members are also invited to bring their instrument to join in an after-show jam session with the cast.
Formed in 2007 by Young Vic genesis director Linnie Reedman and acclaimed composer/musical director Joe Evans, Ruby In The Dust has over twelve productions under its belt, including shows both on the fringe, in the West End and at other site specific venues.
Past credits include The Great Gatsby, Hutch and Dorian Gray (Riverside Studios); Miracle, starring Susannah York and Tim Woodward (St Andrew Church Crypt/Leicester Square Theatre); and Bonnie and Clyde and Lady Windermere’s Fan (King’s Head Theatre).
Tickets: £25, £22 concessions – available from the box office on 020 7836 8463 or online at www.artstheatrewestend.co.uk/.
Time: Tuesday to Sunday at 7:30pm.
Also at the Arts Theatre: Green Day’s award-winning Broadway musical American Idiot (July 17 to September 27, 2015).