Midsummer night fun in winter at Piper's Opera House play

A cast of mostly high school students, a touch of the Orient and a scene-stealing puppy brought fresh humor to a centuries-old play at Piper's Opera House in Virginia City on Thursday.

The Virginia City Theater Muckers performed "A Midsummer Night's Dream," offering a unique version of William Shakespeare's dark comedy showing the irrationality of love.

Members of the play's love quadrangle, Hermia, Lysander, Helena and Demetrius were played well by Krra Wood, Robert Barrington, Kristin Lyle and Brian Grover, but it was Kyle Truhill as Nick Bottom and Matt Zulim as the mischievous Puck who shined brightest.

Though the show kept mostly true to the original in plot, the Bard couldn't have envisioned the fun of Puck riding around the stage on a mini-scooter, Nick Bottom singing a Johnny Cash song or Digby the dog jumping on, tripping and biting the actors.

Shakespeare also might not have added the Chinese costumes, music and dance to the Spirits and their King and Queen, Oberon and Titania, played by Colter Alvarado and Nicole Cook, but it worked.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" continues tonight at Piper's Opera House at 7 p.m. For tickets, call 847-0433.

If You Go

What: "A Midsummer Night's Dream" presented by the Theater Muckers

When: 7 p.m. today

Where: Piper's Opera House, 12 N. B St., Virginia City

Cost: $10; $6 for students

For tickets: Call 847-0433