Some performances, and some of the best for that matter, are so over the top it's incredible. But if anyone has seen a Shakespeare in the Park production by their local theatre company, over the top acting is not uncommon. James Cagney and Mickey Rooney lead the pack in this case. Cagney however is brilliant in his interpretation of Bottom. It's hard to believe this is the same actor who played The Public Enemy. Cagney proves his range was far far greater than just playing gangsters. Rooney doesn't just border on annoying he is annoying plus did they shrink him for the role? He looks like he's 8 years old! Oliva De Havilland is astonishingly beautiful and excellent as Hermia. A great production brings the magical dream world to life with ballet sequences, gauze, sparkles and of course Mendelsohn's brilliant score! This is the best version.
Review of A Midsummer Night's Dream
