By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — A variation of “Shakespeare in the Park” will be coming to the Town Common in early October.
After holding a successful production of the original play “Paranormal” in mid-June that was a joint venture between the Lynnfield Public Library and the Lynnfield Public Schools Theater Department, the next Community Theater production will be a shortened version of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” that will be performed on the Town Common on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Auditions for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 13 and Thursday, Aug. 14 from 6-8 p.m. at the Lynnfield Public Library’s Mezzanine. Townspeople need to register before auditioning.
The play’s auditions are open to adults and teenagers. Audition packets are currently available at the library.
The shortened production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” that will be performed on Oct. 4 will coincide with the Friends of the Lynnfield Library’s Fall Book Sale. The performance is a collaborative effort between the Lynnfield Public Library, the Lynnfield Theater Department, the Friends of the Lynnfield Library and the newly formed Friends of Lynnfield Theater.
During a recent Community Theater meeting at the library, Lynnfield Middle School Drama Director Shay Wainwright and a group of residents who acted or worked backstage during the production of “Paranormal” brainstormed ideas for the next community theater production. Wainwright co-directed “Paranormal” along with rising Lynnfield High School sophomore Patrick Malone, who also wrote the play.
Wainwright asked Library Director Abby Porter how much did “Paranormal” make in June.
Porter said “Paranormal” made around $1,000. She noted that the library could not charge for tickets, but she said attendees were encouraged to make a $10 donation. In order to save money on purchasing licensing rights and scripts, Porter suggested that a free production be produced.
Wainwright was receptive to Porter’s proposal.
“Shakespeare is always a good go-to for that,” said Wainwright. “This is why I was okay with doing student-written plays for Drama Fest because I didn’t have to pay for the rights. I happen to have a 40-minute script of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ that is available.”
Porter expressed her support for Wainwright’s suggestion.
“I am a Shakespeare nerd,” joked Porter.
Lynnfield resident Tony Iantosca, who starred as Stephan in “Paranormal,” expressed his support for Wainwright’s suggestion because it would bring a variation of “Shakespeare in the Park” to Lynnfield.
Maria Leach, who played the judge and a cult member in “Paranormal,” said she thoroughly enjoyed being part of the production.
“Even if I don’t act again, I want to be apart of it,” said Leach. “It was such a nice group to be apart of.”
Wainwright said the “biggest stumbling block to doing any kind of community theater in Lynnfield is the availability of the auditoriums.” She noted that the theater program at LMS has been growing over the last several years.
“As the middle school program grows, the high school program will begin growing as they start to get the influx of all the kids from the middle school,” said Wainwright.
In response to a question from rising LHS junior Lee Malone, Wainwright said the LMS auditorium is “not open during the summer.”
“There are also no custodians there after 2 p.m.,” said Wainwright. “That is where the stumbling block falls. In order to have the schools open, you have to be out by 5 p.m. every day. In order to be in the school, there has to be a custodian there. During weekdays during the school year, there are custodians in both buildings until 10 p.m. every day. You have to pay custodians to be there on weekends and during the summer as well.”
An attendee asked Wainwright if she had any reservations about producing “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in the early fall.
Wainwright said no.
“New England’s Octobers still feel like midsummer,” said Wainwright.
Wainwright said there are portable sets that could be used for the production. She said a backup plan will need to be developed if it rains, and said she will look into booking the LMS auditorium.
“I have so many costumes that would fit,” added Wainwright.
Wainwright thanked the residents who attended the Community Theater meeting for coming and brainstorming different ideas for the next production.
“Thank you all for being here,” said Wainwright. “I appreciate it and I appreciate your support in making
‘Paranormal’ a success, and moving on from there.”