This version of Shakespeare's play is well-acted but not particularly exciting. The funniest performance comes from Christine Baranski as Helena. The 1999 and 1935 versions are more interesting than this sometimes long-winded production. Granted, this is a televised stage production whereas the others had the freedom of the cinema. But a lot more can be done with Shakespeare on stage -- as exemplified by the recently televised (1998) "Twelfth Night" and by countless live performances.
14 Reviews
William Hurt's performance exceptional
gmurphy-11 August 2005
It's been a very long time since I saw this -- near the original airing, and that's the only time. I'd love to get it/see it again. What I remember most positively...beyond overall good quality, and the outdoor theatrical setting, which gave it the charm of a performance (vs. a movie)... is William Hurt's acting as Oberon. Particularly his diction...which (although this is a distant memory) was rather "otherwordly", and gave a dimension to the fairy character that I'd never seen (or heard). If I am recalling it right, he extended certain syllables and phrases, intoned words in unusual ways -- and as I said, the effect was of a truly alien character -- which makes perfect sense, since that's what a King of the Fairies would be. I know it's worth seeing again to confirm my remembrance -- just have to find it.
Midsummer Night's Dream
aernest9 September 2005
I am an English teacher and use this version for its hilarious Pyramus and Thisbe segment. It is done perfectly and raucously, just as Shakespeare would have wanted! Bottom is excellent. The students always fall out - even those too cool to laugh! My VHS is almost completely deteriorated from use. Does ANYONE know where I can get another?? I like this version - it is indeed a bit dated and I find the Puck in this one REALLY annoying, but William Hurt, as others have pointed out, is appropriately otherworldly. Christine Baransky is also quite good in this. I think the fact that it's really outside in a forest adds to its magic.
an enchanting performance
Myhrddin10 October 2005
This is one production I would very much like to see become available on DVD. An excellent cast presents this classic in Central Park for a magical evening under the stars. Originally shown on A&E, it is a pure delight and whilst using only a minim of special effects, delivers a performance of a sort I think Shakespeare would much approve. The production is a bit over three hours if I remember correctly and of high enough caliber to be the central course for an evening. While others have remarked on the performance, I disagree and enjoyed them all. If you can find it, set aside some time and get away from it all .. your brain with thank you for it.!
All I want to know is...
kareninflorida6 June 2004
where can I get a copy of this on VHS?! This is my absolute FAVORITE performance of this play! To be honest, I remember little of the video, since it's been 20 years since I've seen it. I was at least able to record an audio tape of it, however. But my college roommate and I watched it when it was on A&E and loved in particular the performances of Christine Baranski and the actress who played Hermia. They were both VERY expressive. In other performances of this play that I have seen, the actors usually sound as though they are merely reciting lines; there is little discernible connection between the players. Not so in this performance! I thought these talented actors delivered. They actually exchanged dialogue, making the play come alive in the way I believe it was intended to be performed. I also enjoyed Marcell Rosenblatt's portrayal of Puck. And if I'm not mistaken, I think Gary Coleman had a cameo as the foundling child. And don't get me started on the delicious, bare-chested performance of William Hurt, who looked rather buff, as I recall. (Hey! I liked his acting, too.)
Live and at its best
johdousha2 November 2000
This is the best version of Midsummer's I've seen, of the three I've seen (1935, James Cagney as Bottom; 1981 BBC version, Nigel Davenport as Theseus; this one). I'm afraid, though, that all the fairy characters seem to be acting just a little too full of themselves, especially William Hurt. Not that that's too bad, especially in Hurt's case, because he's supposed to be kind of self-centered anyway. The rustics (eg. mechanicals, clowns) were very funny, especially in the Pyramus and Thisby scene at the end. This is the funniest version of Quince's prologue you'll find, and it's probably the way Shakespeare intended it, to boot! The lovers, though their haircuts and makeup date them like anything, act their parts well, and you can actually enjoy their super-long mid-play scene (if Hermia's voice doesn't drive you crazy). In this show Bottom and Puck don't seem to be the centers of the play, as in most productions. Probably the most engaging thing about this version of Midsummer's is that its live; although Shakespeare does remarkably well on film (considering its age), his works are still enjoyed best by the group he originally wrote them for, the live audience. I recommend this film for drama, Shakespeare, and film buffs alike.
When will this marvelous production be available for purchase?
metzger-apple8 May 2006
This is one of the best (and funniest) productions I have ever seen in many years of theater going. I saw this on PBS back in the 1980's and have been looking for it on video/DVD ever since. Is there any place to purchase this? Please provide info if this is possible.
I have seen performances of this play at Stratford (multiple times) and at Arena Stage in Washington, among others, and none top this one. The many film versions do not even come close. The casting is magnificent, the characters well-played, and the Central Park setting is ideal. (I haven't seen this in over 15 years since our library copy disappeared, so my recollections are fuzzy.) But I do remember that the Phyramus & Thisbe scenes had me in tears of laughter every time I see them. Puck is a whirlwind throughout his (her) mischief-making, and Christine Baranski's efforts to remain a lady throughout are all brights spots I cannot forget. The star-crossed lovers final pairings are touching. I showed the library videos to friends and family, and they all loved it as well.
Oh, to see this wonderful production again.
I have seen performances of this play at Stratford (multiple times) and at Arena Stage in Washington, among others, and none top this one. The many film versions do not even come close. The casting is magnificent, the characters well-played, and the Central Park setting is ideal. (I haven't seen this in over 15 years since our library copy disappeared, so my recollections are fuzzy.) But I do remember that the Phyramus & Thisbe scenes had me in tears of laughter every time I see them. Puck is a whirlwind throughout his (her) mischief-making, and Christine Baranski's efforts to remain a lady throughout are all brights spots I cannot forget. The star-crossed lovers final pairings are touching. I showed the library videos to friends and family, and they all loved it as well.
Oh, to see this wonderful production again.
Beautiful but without feeling
JoeyCog6 October 1999
I was dissapointed in James Lapine's depiction of the fairies of the Athenian forest. Their costumes and acting was fun but in general, it was without the magic that continually glimmers through in Shakespeare's verse. With the exception of a few scenes i.e. Helena and Hermia's fight, the whole play lacked the humor it deserved. Finally, Bottom was miscast. He seemed like he was playing the comic character for children rather than for a discriminating audience. Only at the end when he sees Titania in the shadows does he achieve the complexity that the character deserves and that Kevin Kline delivered in the 1999 movie.
Truly great!
itisspencer18 February 2009
This representation of the play is by far the best I have witnessed. The direction and delivery is perfect and makes for a very hilarious play indeed. My only sorrow is that this one play has never been given it's due A & E delivered this to libraries in VHS form a two tape set it was the first video I had ever "Checked Out" and had to pay a fine for it. This needs a DVD or blue ray release if not for the profit value at least for my children to see it performed the way it was intended and without editing! Come one A&E Surprise us! Hmm I guess I didn't realize I could get that all out in so short a piece of Writing. OK! Fine! I will continue... I was the Person that submitted Mr. Lewis' role as it was not added to the list. Now I must say that his role was short and had no lines but he was there nonetheless. I need to get this version and wish it was available. Does anyone have an idea of how we can arrange this? I would hate to have to torrent search for this and end up with a bad copy. My children deserve more. The artists involved in this play should stand up and demand it.
Leaden direction of the lovers' story bogs down an otherwise good version
StevenCapsuto13 January 2010
When even the great Christine Baranski gives a boring performance, you know a production is in deep trouble directorially.
This technically gorgeous staging works well when we're with the acting troupe preparing its version of "Pyramus and Thisbe." Those parts of the play are cleverly directed and beautifully performed. However, the rest of the plots - especially the one about the two pairs of young lovers - don't work at all, despite an extremely talented cast.
Legendary director James Lapine tried something different here, and the result is a decent but largely unengaging production that seems much longer than it actually is.
This technically gorgeous staging works well when we're with the acting troupe preparing its version of "Pyramus and Thisbe." Those parts of the play are cleverly directed and beautifully performed. However, the rest of the plots - especially the one about the two pairs of young lovers - don't work at all, despite an extremely talented cast.
Legendary director James Lapine tried something different here, and the result is a decent but largely unengaging production that seems much longer than it actually is.
Hurt is a great Oberon
refolded18 August 2006
The best thing about this is William Hurt as Oberon. He steals the focus and makes it into something different from all other productions of this play.
Great.
That's all I really want to say about it. Shakespeare is always worthwhile.
If you are bored with this play, try this one out. It gives a neat spin to the ancient tale.
Really, you should try anything with Hurt in it. He has so much charisma, you can believe that he is The Ruler of all the supernatural beings with magical powers.
Great.
That's all I really want to say about it. Shakespeare is always worthwhile.
If you are bored with this play, try this one out. It gives a neat spin to the ancient tale.
Really, you should try anything with Hurt in it. He has so much charisma, you can believe that he is The Ruler of all the supernatural beings with magical powers.
What fools these mortals be
eparis213 August 2022
The performances in this film of a New York Shakespeare Festival stage production are hit and miss.
Though Titania and the mechanicals are credible, William Hurt's delivery of Oberon's lines contains all the emotion of an accountant mumbling numbers; Marcel Rosenblatt's Puck has a braying laugh better suited to a jackass than a sprite; and the young lovers frequently substitute shouting and gesturing for acting.
In the middle of the play-within-the-play, Bottom's acting improves in the after-glow of Titania's affection; alas, those thirty seconds are the best acted of the entire production.
Though Titania and the mechanicals are credible, William Hurt's delivery of Oberon's lines contains all the emotion of an accountant mumbling numbers; Marcel Rosenblatt's Puck has a braying laugh better suited to a jackass than a sprite; and the young lovers frequently substitute shouting and gesturing for acting.
In the middle of the play-within-the-play, Bottom's acting improves in the after-glow of Titania's affection; alas, those thirty seconds are the best acted of the entire production.
Favorite version of a MSND veteran
artcarlady7 January 2008
As a drama teacher I've directed MSND 3 times and have seen a number live productions, including one at the Stratford Shapkespeare festival. This is without a doubt the one I love most. I like Hurt's growling, tumbling Oberon and his very physical relationship with Puck. Christine Baranski is, as noted many times by the other reviewers, utterly hilarious. But my favorite moment comes at the end, when Bottom is describing his dreamy interlude with Titania and he sees a fleeting vision of her as she fades away into the night. For a few seconds we see the loneliness and longing beneath his blustery persona. I'd never had much fondness for the character until then, but that tiny spark of pathos made him much more appealing. The day I can find it - video or DVD - I'll snap it up.
Where?????
knishkabibble4 December 2009
Does anyone know where I can get a copy of this? I've an old lady in my life who's wanted this for years and I still haven't found one for her (been looking for years). It doesn't matter if it's VHS or DVD. Really, as long as it's watchable. I can't believe that A&E hasn't made it available. Or if they have it's news to me. Please post here if you have any clue. Can somebody, anybody, help? She's not gonna live forever. Her daughter and I have searched all we have thought of with no result. It's a great production and it would really make an old lady happy. I was lucky enough to see it live in the park back then. They really did an intelligent, different style with it and I can't understand why it's not on the wide market. Kids would love it and it'd be a good introduction to Shakespeare for the younger set.
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