Hijinks and happenstance collide in one of Shakespeare’s most-loved comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Set in a magical forest outside of Athens, four young lovers fight for each other’s affections on the eve of their duke’s wedding. Meanwhile, six would-be thespians create stress in an attempt to impress the duke’s marriage party, and Oberon—king of the fairies—navigates his own marital missteps. Themes of friendship, jealousy, desire, and magic are all explored in this play about the irrationality of love. Plus, in a turn of meta-commentary from the Bard, someone makes an ass out of an amateur actor.
Wednesday 6/5—Sunday 6/9. $28–78, times vary. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. americanshakespearecenter.com