R'ville Stage Creations to Present William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream
- amymodesti5
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 9
RENSSELAERVILLE, NY — Just a scenic half-hour from the Capital District, a small-town theatre company is offering a big reason to take the drive.
This week, R’ville Stage Creations (RSC) will bring Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" to life under the open sky at Hilltown Commons, inviting audiences to experience the timeless magic of live theatre in a beautiful rural setting.
Performances run Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee show, Sunday, July 13 at 2:30 p.m. A special pay-what-you-will relaxed performance will be offered by reservation only on Thursday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. The Thursday show is limited to 25 patrons.
The Thursday evening performance will offer a more informal environment designed for children or adults with sensory sensitivities, developmental or learning differences, or anyone who might find a traditional theater setting challenging.
To reserve a spot for the Thursday show, please email rvillestagecreations@gmail.com, call (518)-248-3261, or reserve online: https://rville-stage-creations.square.site/. General admission tickets for the production are $30 and $26 for seniors, students, and military members.
A beloved comedy by William Shakespeare, the 16th-century English playwright whose works helped define Western theatre, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" transports audiences to ancient Athens, where a royal wedding, tangled romances, an earnest troupe of amateur actors, and a band of mischievous fairies all collide over the course of one enchanted summer night.
While the play is often reimagined in modern contexts, RSC’s production embraces a more classic approach, drawing inspiration from the original world of the play and bringing it to life with a few whimsical touches of the company’s own.
"Shakespeare's shows are often reinterpreted or reimagined in different settings and time periods, which can be a lot of fun. We have chosen to honor a mostly classic approach, which sets this play in ancient Athens in a time when gods and goddesses, fairies, and other magical creatures existed and played alongside mortals." Producer Rachel DeLong said. "We think this is the best way to introduce audiences to Shakespeare's work and understand the story and plus we love it!"
Viewers who watch the production will see lots of flowers, colorful costumes, and a simple set framed by nature and found pieces, along with some modern whimsy woven in for fun, DeLong added.
“We aim to honor the timeless poetry and enchanting magic of the Bard’s original vision,” RSC Artistic Director Tara McCormick-Hostash said. “Our hope is to bring this beloved comedy to life under the setting sun, inviting our community to step into a world of dreams, love and a bit of mischief - all right here in our own backyard.”
This 22-person cast reflects both local roots and regional reach: about half hail from the Greenville and Helderberg Hilltowns, while the others travel from Saratoga Springs, Troy, Slingerlands, Palenville, and Brooklyn to be involved in the show. The diverse ensemble brings a mix of new and returning performers to the stage, something the company hopes will be mirrored in the audience.
To learn more about the cast, viewers can go to the https://rville-stage-creations.square.site/a-midsummer-nights-dream, as well as the R'ville Stage Creations Facebook page as part of their "Meet The Cast" series, https://www.facebook.com/RvilleStageCreations/.
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" will be directed by Tara McCormick Hostash. McCormick Hostash, founder and Artistic Director of R'ville Stage Creations, has directed the majority of the organization's productions since 2011.
Since its founding around a kitchen table in 2011, RSC has quietly built a reputation for heartfelt, high-quality productions that enliven the cultural life of Rensselaerville and the surrounding hilltowns. From original cabarets and musicals to classic plays, the company offers something rare in rural areas, and well worth the trip for those just discovering it. RSC recently wrapped up their production of Arthur Miller’s "The Crucible" which met with packed houses and overwhelmingly positive reviews.
Following this summer production, RSC will bring its signature spirit indoors with "The Addams Family" musical, to be staged in October at Rensselaerville’s historic Conkling Hall.
“We hear all the time from folks who say, ‘I had no idea we had a theatre company like this here!’” Producer Rachel de Long said. “With "A Midsummer Night’s Dream", we hope to welcome both returning fans and neighbors who haven’t yet discovered us.”
This week's performances will take place outdoors on the lawn at Hilltown Commons, located between the Huyck Building and Guggenheim Pavilion. Guests should bring a blanket or lawn chair and are encouraged to arrive up to one hour before each showtime to grab a spot and enjoy concessions. In case of rain, the show moves indoors to the adjacent Guggenheim Theater.
"A Midsummer Night’s Dream" will take place at Hilltown Commons, located at 63 Huyck Rd, Rensselaerville, NY 12147.
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