Back by popular demand at High Park stage

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (CanStage) — The producers of the Dream in High Park are not afraid to repeat their hits. So this year, it’s a restaging of last summer’s vivacious hip-hop rendition of the Bard’s romantic comedy. Director ahdri zhina mandiela turns the idyllic forest into an industrial wasteland, her fairies into a girl band and her lovers into country club snobs. It’s loud and physical and very fun. Nineteen-year-old Jajube Mandiela (daughter of the director), who played the fairy Peaseblossom last year, and again this year, says children in the audience love the play. “It was amazing to see the really young ones understand the story, and laugh and really enjoy it.” She found teens liked the posh lovers and their realistic conflict with their parents over the love of money. The Dream really does put kids on the agenda: there are family nights every Sunday, with crafts, costumes, games and a backstage tour. They’re every Sunday night from 5 to 6:30, call 416-367-8243 x277 to register. As well, teens age 15 and up might consider volunteering their time at the play. There are jobs for greeters, donation box attendants and gate and hill volunteers to work five shifts at the play. Rewards include theatre tickets, games and prizes on every shift and an appreciation BBQ at the end of the season. Call x252. The play itself runs Tuesdays to Sunday at 8 pm from June 24 to August 31. Pay what you can, kids under 14 free. Stay tuned: we’ll have a review in City Parent the August issue if you still haven’t seen it by then!