Red Masquers Present Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

The Red Masquers, the oldest amateur theater company in Pittsburgh, will present one of William Shakespeare’s most popular works in their upcoming production.

Tickets are available now for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which will be presented at the Genesius Theater from Thursday, Feb. 4, through Sunday, Feb. 7; Thursday, Feb. 11, through Sunday, Feb. 14; and Thursday, Feb.18, through Sunday, Feb. 21. Show times are at 8 p.m., with Sunday performances at 2 p.m.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is believed to have been written between 1590-1597, is a comedy that focuses on the struggle of love, magic and the relationships between fantasy and reality.

The Red Masquers’ adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes place in 1960s San Francisco, and will feature extra “diva fairy back-up singers” belting out hits from that era. The production is directed by John Lane, executive director of the Red Masquers and theater arts program director in the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts.

The cast for A Midsummer Night’s Dream will feature a mix of faculty, staff, students, new members and alumni, including graduate Laura Donaldson, the administrative assistant for the Departments of History and Classics.

“I love performing with the Red Masquers because it’s an opportunity to share the stage and experience with students of all skill levels,” said Donaldson, who has the role of Titania, queen of the fairies. “Performing Shakespeare with them is especially meaningful, as many of them have never tried the Bard’s work before, and to watch them light up and see just how relevant he is and how beautiful the language is—well, it’s magical for me.”

Tickets, which can be purchased online, are $16.50 for adults and $6.50 for students. Admission is free with a Duquesne ID. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door.