The UNL opera program will present three performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” starting with a noon curtain Nov. 13.

Other performances are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 and 3 p.m. Nov. 16. Each show is in Kimball Recital Hall.

The fall production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was chosen by William Shomos, UNL director of opera and professor of voice. Shomos said the production offers a variety of roles for the diverse talents of UNL music students.

“Our mission is to serve and to nurture the artistry of our students,” Shomos said.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a musical adaptation of the classic Shakespeare play. The music, written by Grammy award-winner Benjamin Britten, follows Shakespeare’s initial plot, but with its own emphasis.

The performance guides the audience through enchanted woods, fairies, a wedding party, and a rustic weaver who’s turned into a donkey.

“For me, the whole piece is pretty magical from beginning to end,” said Shomos.

The performance is part of an opera class. Student performers auditioned for the opera during the first week of school. Shomos has worked on the production since May, including creation of original scenic elements with set designer Laurel Shoemaker.

Shomos

“My goal for everything that I direct tends to be the same,” said Shomos. “That is to tell the story as clearly and with as much beauty and honesty as I can pull from myself and from the members of the cast.”

Beth Neuerburg, pursuing a master’s in voice performance at UNL and playing Helena in the opera, said that Shomos’s creative directing helps the cast develop as performers.

“Dr. Shomos’s directing pushes boundaries and is definitely outside the box,” said Neuerburg. “Every opportunity to create yet more comedy is exploited.”

Tickets, available through the Lied Center for Performing Arts, are $20 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.

– Story by Stephani Ruiz, School of Music