nuvo.net / A resplendent ‘Dream’

The magic starts even before the play begins. If possible, sit in the balcony, or at least go up there to get a peek at the painted stage floor. Brothers Robert and Ryan Koharchik create scenery and lighting, respectively, that helps tell the tale as visually (and lusciously) as the stunning choreography of Melli Hoppe (artistic director of Susurrus), which layers meaning onto the words. The Discovery Series is an outreach to school children, and using body language and visual clues is vital in helping kids grasp the language of Shakespeare. Here, it is done exquisitely — with just a touch of the erotic. Butler Theatre Department head John Green, who directs, keeps the play interesting and tantalizing so as not to lose the attention of the younger audience he is trying to reel in. Costuming by Joel Ebarb refutes the traditional Shakespeare-era clothing, as well as the trend to put Shakespeare’s characters into “modern” clothing. Instead, there is a happy mingling of the practical and the romantic — the very physical staging would make dresses a ridiculous choice. Icing the production is music: Todd M. Reischman’s sound design, using mystical drumming music and even, in an inspired moment, “Teddy Bear Picnic,” finishes off the polished feel of the production.

Eight actors portray the characters that inhabit the three worlds represented: the court of Athens, the Mechanicals and the fairies. Easy costume changes make the transitions quick and obvious — there is no confusion that Puck is now Quince.

Andrew Navarro, Constance Macy, Mitchell J. Fain, Frederick Marshall, Sara Locker, Jonathan Molitor, Jennifer Bohler and Michael Huftile segue from scene to scene fluidly and milk the language for its humor, desperation and joy. Angular movements and stop-action are performed gracefully, but the crew doesn’t mind being silly: The performance of Pyramus and Thisbe shows them having a great time on stage. All did commendable work, but Fain, from Chicago, stole his scenes as Puck, and especially as the leader of the Mechanicals, Quince.

One of the greatest achievements of the show, however, is the melding of the art communities in this production. The combination of a few heavy-hitters from the local acting scene, local miracle workers the Koharchicks, John Green from Butler and Susurrus’ Melli Hoppe speaks of a collaboration that is not only top-notch and home-grown, but something to applaud the IRT for taking on, in the hopes that we can see more of it in the future.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream continues through April 16. Times and dates vary, so call the IRT, 140 W. Washington St., at 635-5252 or check out www.indianarep.com.