Ripple Theater reopens with modern-dress Shakespeare
The theater space on Brainerd Road that was once the Backstage Dinner Theater, then the Encore Theatre, went dark for four years due to major flooding.
But on Friday, June 20, the theater reopens as Ripple Productions completes a major renovation and celebrates its new partnership with Shakespeare Chattanooga.
The opening show, the Bard’s classic comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is set this time in Athens, Ga. Bottom and his “rude mechanicals” are local yokels, while the lovers are UGA students.
The production will also feature the music of various bands from the Athens area, including REM, the B-52s and Widespread Panic. The 16-member cast combines longtime Shakespeare Chattanooga actors, some longtime Ripple particpants, and some actors new to both groups.
“We’ll be performing on the summer solstice, so what could be better?” said Shakespeare Chattanooga Producing Director Janis Hashe. “Also, let’s face it, who doesn’t love donkey ears?”
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
7:30 p.m. June 20, 21, 27, 28 2:30 p.m. June 22, 29
Ripple Theater
3264 Brainerd Rd.
Tickets: $10/$15.
Info and reservations, (423) 622-2862