KENNESAW, Ga. | Jun 5, 2018

Outdoor performances at Legacy Gazebo Amphitheatre

Kennesaw State will present Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” under the stars at the outdoor Legacy Gazebo Amphitheatre on the Kennesaw Campus, June 13-16 and June 22-23.

In a first for Kennesaw State, the Gazebo will be transformed into an Elizabethan outdoor playhouse for the run of one of the bard’s most popular plays. The Gazebo is located across from the Visual Arts Building, nestled between the Social Sciences and English buildings.

“‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is one of Shakespeare’s happiest comedies, featuring crossed loves, fairy spells and strange transformations,” said Patty Poulter, dean of the College of the Arts. “An outdoor, summer professional Shakespeare theatre substantially adds to the cultural life of the region and we are thrilled that KSU is a cultural center for our friends and neighbors in the community.”

Directed by Rick Lombardo, chair of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, the play portrays the events surrounding the marriage of Theseus, the Duke of Athens, to Hippolyta, the former queen of the Amazons. These events include the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of six amateur actors, who are controlled and manipulated by the fairies who inhabit the forest.

“We developed ‘Shakespeare Kennesaw’ to bring powerful and engaging outdoor, professional productions of William Shakespeare’s work to metro Atlanta,” said Lombardo. “We believe these plays can bring together our diverse community to explore our common humanity. We do this work by bringing together the finest talents in our region working alongside Kennesaw State University faculty, alumni and our undergraduate intern company.”

In addition to KSU students, the cast will include professional actors, several of whom are members of the national Actors Equity Association.

Patrons may purchase VIP tickets close to the stage with tables and chairs provided or may purchase general admission tickets to sit on the tiered lawn on blankets or low-back beach chairs. As was the case in Shakespeare’s time at London’s Globe Theatre, picnicking is highly encouraged.

The play will be performed June 13-16 and June 22-23 at 8 p.m. A Shakespearean scholar will deliver a half-hour, pre-show introduction at 7:30 p.m. In the case of inclement weather, performances will move indoors to the Stillwell Theater, or patrons may exchange their ticket(s) for a different outdoor performance date. Ticket prices range from $10 to $27 and may be purchased at ticketing.kennesaw.edu or by calling 470-578-6650.

– Robert S. Godlewski

Photos by Rick Lombardo

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.