‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is a stunning, hilarious and emotional ride

If you’re looking for a night of theatrical magic, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Guthrie Theater absolutely delivers. From the moment the stage transforms into a dreamy, flower-drenched forest, it’s clear this production is something special. The set is breathtaking – cascading blooms, soft glowing lights, and a fairy-tale atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world.

But “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is more than a visual spectacle – it’s also one of Shakespeare’s funniest plays, and this production leans into the comedy brilliantly. With four interwoven stories – royal lovers caught in romantic chaos, mischievous fairies playing tricks, and bumbling tradesmen rehearsing a play-within-the-play – there’s never a dull moment. The crisscrossing storylines bring constant surprises, misunderstandings, and magical mishaps, all performed with impeccable timing and energy.

And let me just say – Dustin Bronson, as Snug in the play-within-the-play, stole the show. His portrayal of the lion had the audience in stitches, with full-on belly laughs and even some wiping away tears. His blend of physical comedy and over-the-top delivery made his scenes electric.

Now, a heads-up: the show is long. At two hours and 30 minutes, it’s a commitment – probably a tough sit for little kids. But honestly, the time flew by. I was so wrapped up in the story (and let’s be honest, giggling at the absurdity of it all) that I barely noticed the length.

And then came the surprise at the end. Without giving anything away, it was so unexpectedly powerful that I nearly sobbed. I struggled to hold it together, wiping away tears as discreetly as possible. The emotional depth of that final scene added an incredible layer to an already spellbinding evening.

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Bottom line: This “Midsummer” is a must-see. Whether you’re a Shakespeare enthusiast or just looking for a wildly fun, visually stunning night out, this production delivers. Go see it – you’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, and if you’re anything like me, you might even shed a few tears.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs through March 23 at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Tickets are available at the box office or guthrietheater.org.

Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Do you have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at rachel.engstrom@eplocalnews.org.