In the summer of 1980 American Players Theatre mounted its first production on a hill in the woods of Spring Green. The fledgling company, led by founders Randall Duk Kim and Anne Occhiogrosso, chose only two plays for the company’s debut season: Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
From its humble beginnings, APT has evolved into a premier regional theater presenting Shakespeare and many other classics in repertory. Now at the beginning of its 37th year, the company has much to celebrate: after an $8 million capital campaign, the outdoor stage has been completely rebuilt, the sightlines and sound improved, the lobby space enhanced, and several rehearsal halls added to the complex. So it seems fitting that American Players should go back to its roots and open this season with the delightful comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, complete with actor Jonathan Smoots as Theseus, The Duke of Athens, the part he played in the debut production almost four decades ago. After seeing the company perform opening night, I am convinced there are many additional reasons that Midsummer is the perfect way to kick off the year.
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