Meridian High School's Drama Department has once again earned recognition for excellence in high school theater, receiving an impressive eight Cappie nominations for their innovative production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream-ish." The nominations celebrate both individual performances and the collective creative vision that transformed Shakespeare's beloved comedy into a unique "pillow world" experience.
The nominated categories include:
Best Play: "A Midsummer Night's Dream-ish"
Lead Actor: Hugo Ratheau
Supporting Actor: Jack Kreul
Comic Actor in Male Role: Alex Fulgham
Comic Actor in Female Role: Eudora Neal
Featured Actor: Marshall Vogel-Rogers
Best Ensemble: The Rude Mechanicals
Creativity/Musicianship: Aiden Harper, Duke Crespin, Sol Modell
Under the direction of instructor Shawn Northrip, the production reimagined Shakespeare's classic through the lens of dreams, slumber parties, and pillow forts, creating an immersive theatrical experience that invited audience participation.
"We've leaned into the idea that the show is a dream," Northrip told the News-Press during the production's run. "We've built a pillow world and pajamas and slumber parties, where our monsters look like stuffed animals and anything can happen."
The innovative approach exemplifies Northrip's commitment to keeping theater fresh and unexpected for both performers and audiences. "Who wants [a play] to be the same?" he explained to Meridian student reporter Tessa Kassoff in an interview for The Lasso. "My goal is always to mix it up. Four years of not expecting the same thing for me is pretty challenging. And in my career, I also don't want to expect the same thing for myself."
This production featured audience interaction, with some viewers invited onstage to join the theatrical magic, especially those who embraced the theme by attending in pajamas. The set design centered around what Northrip described as "the largest pillow fort" from which characters would emerge, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complemented Shakespeare's fantastical narrative.
The Cappies (Critics and Awards Program) celebrates excellence in high school theater and journalism, with student critics attending shows at participating schools throughout the region and voting on various award categories. Winners will be announced at the annual Cappies Gala on June 2, 2025, at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts.