William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is likely one of the most adaptable of all of his works since it is set in a dream world from the start. Since dreams can involve everything so too can a play based on that dream world.

That means the play could involve donkeys and princesses, robots and dragons. It could have cameos by Marilyn Monroe and Burl Ives to George Bush to Jack the Ripper. It is one of those shows that lends itself to be taken to — or beyond — the edge.

But “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” also can be played straight and still work well.

Such is the case with Encore! Theater’s version of the classic comedy. There are no robots or dance numbers by Elvis. But there are flashy costumes and sparkly hats.

The play follows the story of forbidden love between Hermia (played by Katiedawn Leacy) and Lysander (Faith Higgins) into the woods as they escape Duke Theseus’ ruling that Hermia must wed Demetrius (Alex Ropes) instead. Closely pursued by Demetrius and Helena (Brittany Johnson), the lovers encounter other inhabitants of the mystical and magical Athenian woods — a band of amateur actors preparing a play for the duke’s impending nuptials. The adventure gets weird when Puck (Stephanie Ronge) begins to fiddle with the whole affair.

Between lights on to lights off is a parade of “Three’s Company” sort of scenes that has everyone guessing what is what.

The show runs at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday through July 29. The outdoor stage is located adjacent to Impact Church International at 4819 Hunt St. in Gig Harbor.  Tickets are $15 for adults; $11 for military/seniors/teens; $8 for pre-teens (7-12); and $6 for children 6 and under. Tickets are available on-site one hour before the performance. Family passes are available if purchased prior to the day of the show. Concessions will be available for purchase. Blankets or chairs, picnics, and bug spray are recommended for ultimate enjoyment since the hillside gets chilly and bugs have a tendency to bite if you have food around. For more information, call 253.858.2282 or go to www.encoretheater.org. 

Elect “MacBeth”

Another work by the Bard is making its way around the South Sound. I’ve mentioned this show before, but I thought it was time to check in on the show since campaign season is getting into full swing.

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is staging a roving version of “Macbeth.”

This version has Macbeth playing the role of a presidential candidate running an actual whistle-stop tour over the course of the summer and ending with a full production of “the Scottish play” in November as part of Art At Work Month in Tacoma.

The show features Christopher Cantrell as Macbeth and Samantha Underwood at Lady Macbeth. It is directed by Bonnie Bizzell. The next show will be Friday, July 20, as MacBeth will show off his political advisors at an event connected to the “Harry Potter” night at King’s Books.

More information about the show is available at: www.electmacbeth.com.