Photo Credit: Sarah Straub
If you’re looking for an unforgettable theater experience in Montgomery County, Maryland this summer, look no further than Synetic Theater’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Olney Theatre Center.
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending opening night of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Olney Theatre Center, and let me just say, it was unlike any version I’ve seen before (and I’ve seen quite a few!). This wordless adaptation of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy is filled with movement, music, and magic and it’s only running through August 10.
Produced by the award-winning Synetic Theater and presented on the Roberts Mainstage, this reimagining of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy is performed entirely without spoken words. Yes, you read that right, no dialogue. As someone who counts this classic comedy as a personal favorite, I’ll admit I was skeptical. How could the story’s magic, mischief, and humor come through without Shakespeare’s words?
But within minutes, my doubts vanished like fairy dust.
From the moment the lights dimmed, I was captivated. The performance moves at a brisk pace, pulling you into a dreamlike world where movement, music, and expression tell the story. It’s funny, romantic, chaotic, and touching – everything Midsummer should be.
Photo Credit: Sarah Straub
Synetic Theater, recognized as the region’s premier physical theater company, combines dance, acrobatics, mime, and expressive movement to tell stories in a distinctive and innovative way. This production is a perfect example of their unique style, where the body speaks louder than words. From the romantic entanglements of Hermia, Helena, Lysander, and Demetrius to the hilarious antics of the mischievous magic of the fairy realm, every moment is infused with energy and imagination. I was especially curious how they’d wrap up the show without Puck’s famous final monologue. Somehow, they managed a closing moment that gave a heartfelt nod to those iconic lines, no words needed.
If you’re a Shakespeare purist, take the leap. And if you’re new to the story, this production is an incredibly accessible and engaging introduction (but here is a summary to help). Either way, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Olney Theatre is a midsummer treat that you won’t want to miss.
Catch it before it’s gone! Performances run through August 10, 2025.
Tickets: $41–$101 at olneytheatre.org or call the box office at 301-924-3400.
Running Time: Approximately one hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
By William Shakespeare
Adapted by Ben Cunis and Paata Tsikurishvili
Directed by Paata Tsikurishvili
Choreographed by Irina Tsikurishvili
Cast
Stella Bunch (Puck), Rachel Small (Titania), Philip Fletcher (Oberon), Kim-Anh Nguyen (Hippolyta), Chris Galindo (Theseus/Snug), Camille Pivetta (Helena), Jacob Thomson (Demetrius), Tony Amante (Lysander), Irinka Kavsadze (Hermia), Emma Ruckh (Peaseblossom), Kaitlyn Shifflett (Flute/Fairy), Irakli Kavsadze (Bottom/Egeus), Koki Lortkipanidze (Starveling), Vato Tsikurishvili (Quince), Lev Belolipetski (Snout), and Aaron Kan (Verges).
Creative Team
Koki Lortkipanidze (Original Music and Sound Design), Anastasia Rurikov Simes (Original Set, Costumes, and Properties Design), Andrew Griffin (Lighting Design), Channing Tucker (Associate Costume Designer), and Dean Leong (Associate Lighting Designer).
Review by Leticia Engel, Visit Montgomery Team Member
