A Midsummer Night's Dream

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.