Saturday Morning Shakespeare

By Suzy Evans in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 27, 2009 8:20PM

Before noon on Saturday might be too early for iambic pentameter, and while you would probably prefer to sleep or watch cartoons (Don’t deny it!), a little Shakespeare is good for you.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Short Shakespeare! production of “Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a condensed version - 75 minutes running time - and promises to appeal to even the greatest Shakespeare skeptics. If you really don’t like Shakespeare, the play is about lust and substance abuse by roguish puppet fairies. Makes us wonder why they say it’s perfect for children!

After the performance, the cast leads a post-show discussion, and since you’re already awake, you might as well attend. Your high school English teacher would be proud.

So hike on over to Navy pier and watch forest fairies manipulate four mismatched lovers. This Saturday is the second to last show so make sure to set the alarm.

Tomorrow at Navy Pier, show starts at 11 a.m. Discussion follows. Tickets are $16 for students and $20 for “adults” (or anyone who forgot to bring their student ID).

Photo of Juan Gabriel Ruiz (left) as Demetrius, Bob Turton as Lysander, Megan Long (center) as Hermia and Lacy Katherine Campbell as Helena by Michael Brosilow