Picture this: a major movie studio is in the throes of filming a Shakespeare adaptation when the set is crashed by characters from the play. Of course, hilarity ensues.
This is the plot of “Shakespeare in Hollywood,” the new play staged by Main Street Theatre in Tucker. During the filming of the 1935 real-life movie adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” King of the Fairies Oberon and his fairy servant Puck – characters from the play – mischievously interrupt.
Their magic interferes with actors, studio executives, and romantic relationships, creating comic chaos as fantasy collides with the realities of show business.
Related story: Tucker remembers musician Paul Allison with memorial concert on April 26
Sharyn McHenry, the director of the show, told Rough Draft that what results is silly, chaotic fun.
“All of the elements of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ mash up with the screwball comedy from the ‘30s and make for just a really fun night of romance and comedy,” she said. “…“[Audiences] can expect a lot of action. There’s always something going on. There are several storylines that cross and interact. There are starlets, there are fairies from Shakespeare. There is fun, madcap kind of comedy, and then you’ve got Shakespearean sonnets and soliloquies. It’s really a blast.”
McHenry said people can expect a big production from the community theater company, with a huge cast of 17 local actors, beautiful sets, and an abundance of cool visual gags.
“Shakespeare in Hollywood” runs through May 3 at the Tucker Rec Center with evening shows on Fridays and Saturdays and matinees on Sundays. The show has some mild language and themes intended for teenage and adult audiences.
Tickets to “Shakespeare in Hollywood” are $15 and can be purchased through Main Street Theatre’s website.
Related story: Local actress Emma Elizabeth Smith returns home with ‘Six’ at the Fox Theatre
