Shawn Says… Mirth, Mischief, and Multiple Roles: Cincy Shakes’ Midsummer is a Magical Romp

A Summer Night Full of Magic

If there’s one thing better than a summer evening in Cincinnati, it’s a summer evening filled with fairies, lovers, and one very confused amateur acting troupe. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Candice Handy, brings all that and more to their FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour — running now through August 31.

High Energy, Even After Piqua

I caught the show at the Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum, where the high-energy cast bounded on stage fresh off a performance the night before in Piqua. Talk about stamina — these actors were playing multiple roles apiece, just like in Shakespeare’s day, and delivering physical comedy so big even the youngest kids in the crowd were leaning forward, giggling in delight.

The Mechanicals Steal the Show

The Mechanicals stole their share of the show, led by Imani Derden’s delightfully determined Peter Quince — a portrait of patient exasperation in the “play within a play.” Colin Waters doubled (down, pun intended) as Demetrius and Bottom, turning romantic chaos and fourth-wall winks into pure comic gold. Cameron Nalley’s Flute-as-Thisbe, beard and all, had the audience howling (the falsetto alone deserves its own standing ovation).

Royalty, Fairies, and Karate Kid Moves

On the royal and magical side, Eva Olivia Catanzariti balanced fierce loyalty as Hermia with regal mischief as Titania — and yes, she managed to sneak in a Karate Kidmoment mid-brawl with Helena. Jason Pavlovich commanded the stage with a majestic Oberon, then charmed the kids with his playful Lion. Cassandra C. Reeves’ Puck was a whirlwind of sly athleticism and mischievous sparkle, closing the night with a farewell so enchanting you almost believed the magic was real.

A Flexible, Fairy-Friendly Set

Scenic designer Samantha Reno’s flexible set shifted seamlessly from Athens to the fairy realm, while co-costume designers Kayla Cieslinski and Rainy Edwards kept the transformations crisp and clever. Robert Carlton Stimmel’s lighting and sound, paired with Gina Cerimele-Mechley’s fight direction, kept the pace brisk and the laughs flying.

The Bottom Line

The whole cast worked like a well-oiled comedy machine — no one upstaging anyone, everyone tossing the jokes, movement, and magic around like a troupe that’s truly in it together.

Shawn Says… This Midsummer is pure summer magic — hilarious, high-energy, and sprinkled with just enough fairy dust to keep you grinning all night.”

This Midsummer is pure summer fun. Pack a blanket, bring your friends, and prepare to laugh yourself silly under the stars. The magic wraps up August 31 — so get thee to the park before Puck vanishes for another year.

🎭 Details and full schedule at: cincyshakes.com/on-stage/a-midsummer-nights-dream-in-the-park