Enjoy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” under the stars at TCC’s Shakespeare in the Grove

A big-top circus design is the backdrop for the classic tale “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on stage at Tidewater Community College’s 23nd Shakespeare in the Grove.

Free, outdoor public performances will be held June 26-30, starting at 8 p.m., weather permitting.

Get a sneak peek of the play with a one-act performance at the community event “Food Trucks on the Square” on June 12, located behind Chesapeake City Hall at 306 Cedar Road.

TCC’s version of the play is set under the big top with residents of Athens mixing with fairies from a local forest, with comic results. In the city, Theseus, duke of Athens, is to marry Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons.

“I’m always excited to bring together talented actors from across the 757 to put on a show in our own backyard,” said Trey Clarkson, director of this year’s grove production. “On the heels of ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘Dumbo’ and with the closing of Barnum and Bailey after a 146-year run, the nostalgia of the circus is the perfect setting for the magic and mayhem of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ ”

This is the fourth production at the new outdoor “grove” platform, located behind the Pass Building on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road. A cast and crew of more than 25 student and veteran actors and 15 technicians will bring the Bard’s comedy to life.

TCC and the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission sponsor Shakespeare in the Grove. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner. Insect repellent is also recommended. Tickets are not required.

For more information, contact Matthew Gorris at mgorris@tcc.edu or 757-822-5219.