Midsummer Night's Dream performed free in Deering Oaks

Last night was the first performance of the Fenix Theatre Company's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," which took place for free at the wading pool in Deering Oaks Park. If you missed it, you can catch it again tonight (Aug. 6), Sat., Aug. 8, Wed., Aug. 12, Thur., Aug. 13, Fri., Aug. 14 and Sat., Aug. 15. All shows take place at 6 pm. It's weather-permitting, of course, and it's such a treat you really want to find a way to fit it into your schedule.

Here's a shot of Puck (played by Ian Carlsen) and Oberon (played by Paul Drinan). There's a lot to love about this performance, including the high-quality of the acting and the luscious setting. Another is the fun costumes. I've seen this well-known Shakespeare play performed many times, most recently at Kennebunk High, and I have to say the sexy, urban edge of the actors' attire provided an excellent change of pace.

Here's a lounging cluster of faries, plus the comic band of actors, all of whom played multiple roles in the production. From left to right the comic actors are Snug (Ariel Francoeur, who also plays Hermia), Flute (played by Brian Chamberlain, who also plays Lysander), Snout (played by Seth Rigoletti, who also plays Demetrius) and Bottom (played by Lisa Muller-Jones, who also plays Egeus).

I've also never seen such a physical performance of this play. Not only is there lots of amorous contact, but plenty of slapping, pushing and general rolling around on the ground. It all lent itself well to the humor in this timeless comedy.

At the end of the performance, Fenix Theatre Company Executive Director Rob Cameron took the stage to thank everyone for coming and put in a good word for the donation box. He also held up a copy of yesterday's Portland Press Herald and pointed out the story about Naked Shakespeare being shut down at the Wine Bar due to Portland's strange zoning rules. He urged everyone to call their city councilors and ask that the rules be changed so the Bard and his followers don't get chased out of the Old Port.

Because even though nothing beats seeing Shakespeare in the park on a hot summer night, it's pretty hard to duplicate this al fresco performance in the dead of winter. That's why we need Naked Shakespeare at the Wine Bar. Or else we're bound to suffer "the winter of our discontent."