A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Enjoy the Magic…Adventure…Mischief…Love…and Chaos surrounding romantic pursuits inspired by the Bard’s most popular comedy. More than 200 New York City public school children have come together with professional dancers, musicians and singers to present National Dance Institute’s 29th Annual Event of the Year, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Accompanied by a live orchestra, the children light up the stage with a “fusion” of hip-hop, jazz, tap and ballet while learning the language of Shakespeare.

Audiences will delight as Tiny Tots become “cupids,” magical creatures come alive in the “Forest Scene,” Titania falls in love with a “donkey” named Bottom, Puck enchants “magicals and mortals” in a lovers’ mix up, and dancers engage in a battle of Amazon women and Greek warriors. The performance is a collection of pieces created by NDI’s teaching artists and set to excerpts from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream score, a 15th century Elizabethan round and original music by NDI musicians, directed by Kay Gayner. It features the artistry of world-renowned dancer and NDI Founder Jacques d’Amboise. Colorful banners, designed by NDI children, are a dazzling part of the scenic mix.

For tickets to the Monday night benefit, click here.