Madison Lyric Stage Brings Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ to Life This March

When the curtain rises at the Madison Lyric Stage this March, you’ll hear the faint rustle of leaves, the mischievous chatter of fairies, and the sighs of star‑crossed lovers—all right here in Madison, Connecticut. It’s the kind of evening that feels both classic and freshly alive, as the theater rolls out Shakespeare’s most playful comedy, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’

The production is under the enthusiastic direction of longtime local artist Maya Harper, whose vision mixes a hint of traditional Elizabethan staging with a dash of modern whimsy. Picture a forest set that glows with lanterns, a troop of sprites darting about in hand‑sewn costumes, and a cast drawn from teachers, retirees, and a few daring college students. Lead roles are filled by Madison High alumna Jenna Alvarez as Hermia and veteran actor Tom Whitaker as Theseus, while the mischievous Puck is tackled by newcomer Tyler Chen, who promises to keep the audience laughing.

Tickets go on sale next Tuesday, and the schedule is a comfortable Saturday‑and‑Sunday double‑header: performances on March 9 and March 16 at 7 p.m. Seats are modestly priced—$15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and a special $5 family pack—so there’s really no excuse to miss it. The theater also offers a limited “behind‑the‑scenes” tour for curious kids, plus a post‑show talkback where the director and cast spill the beans on rehearsal mishaps (there was apparently a runaway goat at one point).

What makes this run especially heart‑warming is the outpouring of community support. Local businesses have donated materials for set pieces, the town’s art students helped paint the backdrop, and a volunteer crew of more than thirty people handles everything from lighting cues to ushering. The Lyric Stage even partners with the Madison Public Library for a series of Shakespeare workshops, hoping to spark a love for the Bard in younger readers.

In short, the production promises an evening of laughter, a touch of romance, and a whole lot of Madison spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or just looking for a fun night out with the family, grab a seat, let the magic of the forest sweep you away, and remember why community theater matters—because it turns stories into shared memories.