Acting in a stage show is a hard ordeal.
But, acting in two stage shows that simultaneously rotate every few nights is just another springtime season at Quintessence Theatre Company.
This March, 12 actors will be performing multiple roles in a rotating schedule of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Antony & Cleopatra’ in a “Reckless Romance” repertory. Both written by William Shakespeare (whom the company loves to cover), this is the first time in a decade that Quintessence’s paired productions are written by The Bard.
“In celebration of our ‘resident playwright,’ our 15th birthday, and the power of the classical actor, we return to repertory to present two of the most impactful works of Western literature,” says Quintessence Producing Artistic Director Alex Burns. Burns is directing both productions this spring.
“Both plays are about the power of love: One a romantic comedy, the other a political thriller and romantic tragedy. Both celebrate a set of lovers whose passions are so great that they choose to stand outside of their society’s dictates and risk all for love. The result is that their reckless romances change the course of the world forever.”
As a release notes, the productions are highlighted by casts featuring some of the region’s best actors, including Philadelphia-based classic theatre actor and arts educator Tim Dugan, stage and screen actor Christopher Patrick Mullen, theatre artist and film actor DeAnna S Wright, and veteran actor and director Steven Anthony Wright.
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ already began previews and is set to open on Saturday, March 15. ‘Antony & Cleopatra’ on the other hand, begins previews on Wednesday, March 5, and opens on Saturday, March 22. Each of the 12 cast members play at least one role in each show, with some appearing in multiple roles in one or both plays.
Shakespeare’s ‘Midsummer’ follows four Athenian youths who reject their parents’ efforts to interfere in their romantic lives and choose to run away instead of facing the love-limiting laws of the land. When they meet a group of laborers secretly rehearsing their play for a royal competition, mayhem ensues. ‘Antony & Cleopatra’ on the other hand follows a time shortly after Julius Caesar is assassinated, the rebellion foiled, and the Roman Empire is now ruled equally by three men, of which Mark Antony is the most powerful—until he is subdued by the beauty, wit, and charm of Cleopatra.
“With the future of our democracy in question, we look to the genius of Shakespeare to question how empires fall, the fallibility of fairy magic, and if winning the war is more important than following your heart,” Burns adds. “For hundreds of years, the bawdy comedy and eroticism of Shakespeare’s plays was censored, or misunderstood. Quintessence is excited to lean into the divine and the vulgar of human sexuality, exploring the comedy and the tragedy in hedonism.”
The full repertory schedule runs now through April 27. All performances take place at the historic Sedgwick Theater (7137 Germantown Avenue), and tickets start at $35, with premium seats available starting at $45. Group sales are also available.
These two shows also bring some stand-alone events to keep an eye out for. There will be two Behind The Scenes Previews: One for ‘Antony & Cleopatra’ on March 13, at 7 p.m. and another for ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ on March 6, at 7 p.m. While there, visitors can join in on a pre-show chat hosted in the bar lobby 30 minutes before curtain time.
Additionally there will be two post-show convos — ‘Antony & Cleopatra’ on March 30, at 3 p.m. and one for ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ on March 23 at 3 p.m. With these events specifically, a special guest will be invited on stage after the performance to lead a deep dive into the nuances of the production.
Quintessence will also host Cast Talkback Nights (for ‘Antony’ on March 27, at 3 p.m. and ‘Midsummer’ on March 20, at 7 p.m.), a Queer Affinity Night with Burns (‘Antony’ on April 11, at 7:30 p.m. and ‘Midsummer’ on April 4, at 7:3o p.m.), an Industry Night where tickets are reduced (‘Antony’ on April 16, at 7 p.m. and ‘Midsummer’ on April 10, at 7 p.m.) and a Young Artists Night for aspiring artists (‘Antony’ April 3, at 7 p.m. and ‘Midsummer’ April 17, at 7 p.m.)
‘Antony & Cleopatra’ and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ are also part of the 8th Annual Philadelphia Theatre Week, running April 3 to 13.
To find out more information on Quintessence Theatre Group, visit quintessencetheatre.org
