Arts and Architecture

Centre Stage presents Shakespeare's transformative 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

'The course of true love never did run smooth'

Catherine Crimmins, a third-year acting student in Penn State's School of Theatre, rehearses a scene at the Pavilion Theatre in preparation for the Dec. 2 opening of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn StateAll Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Centre Stage will present William Shakepeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," directed by Sam Osheroff, Dec. 2-9, at the Pavilion Theatre on the University Park campus.

First performed around 1596, Shakespeare’s comic fantasy of four lovers who find themselves bewitched by fairies is a sly reckoning with love, jealousy and marriage. For centuries it’s been one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays. And why not? It has everything; comedy, drama, magic, passion, fairies, lovers, clowns, and some of the most gorgeous language ever set to paper. The play poses essential questions about the relationships between life and art, appearance and illusion, dreams and reality. With "Midsummer," Shakespeare transformed the theater forever.

Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. are $25; preview performance at 7:30 p.m. is $20; and tickets for students are $12.50. For additional show information, visit the Penn State Centre Stage website. Save 10% when you buy tickets to four or more shows.

Last Updated November 22, 2021