Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, performed beautifully at the Los Angeles Repertory Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. At first glance, this performance space looks more like an industrial warehouse than an art house, but walking in you are transformed to the magical land of Midsummer. The beautiful set, designed by in-house designer Luke Smith, was created completely out of recycled materials but has a distinct airiness that you wouldn’t expect from used tires and cans. The forest is made out of papier-mâché trees and cardboard rocks. Even a swing hangs from a branch and is used throughout the performance. Inside the beautiful set, a wonderful ensemble of actors plays. At the play’s start, Hermia (Sophia Lam) is told that she must marry a man whom she is not in love with, but who is in love with her. Because of this ultimatum, Hermia and her love, Lysander (John Michaelson), make plans to escape to the forest and eventually be wed in another town. Helena (Jane Donnson), Hermia’s unfortunate friend, is completely in love with the man who is wooing Hermia, who of course wants nothing to do with Helena. But they all escape into the enchanted forest, one couple following the other, and what ensues is pure hilarity. In addition to the lovers and fairies in the forest is a troupe of actors, led by Bottom (Rick Jones), who are preparing to perform in front of the king. Each actor is worth noting, but standouts include Donnson as Helena and Jones as Bottom. The comedic timing of each is impeccable, and their acting chops are undeniable. Director Steven Kim has put together an amazing show with smooth scene changes, a clear focus, and a cohesiveness that is both impressive and unmatched. No actor pulls focus when they shouldn’t ,and even the smallest of fairies is of the utmost importance. In addition, the lighting design of Lily Thomas and the costume design of Sam McLean enhance the show in their own ways. I can only describe the lighting as magical, with the beams of impeccably placed spotlights playing their own distinct parts in the show. The costumes are unique to each group of characters—fairies, lovers, and mechanicals—and everything complements each other. I encourage you to go see this production. At this time of year, hundreds of theatres are putting on this show, but I guarantee you won’t find one quite like the Los Angeles Repertory Theatre’s rendition. If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle into a magical forest in downtown Los Angeles, then come out and support these fine players! A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm through August 15th at Los Angeles Repertory Theatre, located at 123 5th St., Los Angeles, 90123. For tickets call (213) 555-1234 or visit their website at LosAngelesRepertoryTheatre.com