James River Theatre Company To Perform A Shakespeare Classic At La Vida

For those with a heart that loves comedies and live theater, meet a semi-modern take on one of Shakespeare’s most popular works.

The James River Theatre Company (JRTC) will perform “A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream” at La Vida Coffee + Market at 2407 Langhorne Ave. in Lynchburg, Virginia. Rather than the play’s traditional Athenian location, Kayla Reichard, director of the play, opted for a “Mardi Gras” feel. To achieve this, the play is set in an early 1920s New Orleans.  

Along with a modern setting, the play will feature modern comedy. 

“(It’s a) very high energy, fantastical production. Get ready to laugh,” actress Rachel Bomquist said regarding audience expectations for the show.

This change in setting has allowed for the director and the actors to exhibit greater creative freedom. The original script for this performance included 21 separate roles, but the theater company fills them with only eight actors. Each actor and actress will perform two or three separate characters. For example, Harrison Reed plays the roles of Demetrius, Snout and Mustardseed.  

“I also play a wall for a little bit, which is nice,” he said.

Despite limited past directorial practice, Liberty University graduate Kayla Reichard expressed excitement to direct her first production of this magnitude. 

 “I’ve loved the creative freedom I’ve been given with the process,” Reichard said. “Shakespeare lends itself to creative flexibility.” 

With only a few weeks of rehearsal time remaining to prepare for the show, Reichard said every day has been a challenge. However, she emphasized her enjoyment and love for the cast in their limited time together. Both she and the cast labeled the creativity and humor as the best part of production. The cast plans to channel the same amount of energy and liveliness from production into the play’s official performances.

A large portion of the cast consists of both current and former Liberty University students, all of whom have a passion for theater and the arts. Each cast member has ranging theater histories spanning up and down the East Coast. Many of the cast have also discovered their love for performance right here in Lynchburg.  

 “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work with actors of such high caliber and a production team that truly loves what they do,” Reichard said.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs from Feb. 11-13, 18-20 and 25-27 at La Vida Coffee + Market. Masks are encouraged for everyone, but they are not required at this time.

Engel is a feature reporter.