Gladish puts on Shakespeare's "A Midsummer's Night's Dream"

PULLMAN — The Gladish Community and Cultural Center will present Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Saturday, August 26 and 27, at 2 p.m. at the Gladish, 115 Northwest State Street, in Pullman.

Executive Director Kristin Lincoln explained that the show is part of the Gladish Community and Cultural Center’s mission to create an in-residence regional theatre called The Gladish Players to launch in 2024.

“It’s an old theatre that we’re trying to model in an update,” Lincoln said.

The Gladish Players have an in-residence with the Washington Idaho Symphony and a relationship with the Palouse Choral Society, Lincoln stated, adding that they wanted their in-house theatre troupe since many of the Gladish staff have backgrounds in theatre.

Lincoln stated that all of the proceeds from the production would go into fundraising for the remodeling of the Gladish building, adding that they’re trying to raise 10 million dollars, having received 1.4 million so far.

“That’s for turning that wing of Gladish into a full center for the arts,” she said, noting that there will be a large theatre space with 600 people and a smaller theatre that will seat about 7 to 100.

She added that they also intend to have a rooftop terrace on the third floor, other rehearsal spaces, a bathroom, and dressing spaces that come with it.

“It’s a fantastic performance,” Lincoln said about the upcoming production, adding that someone who has never been to Gladish will get to see a view of a gorgeous building since it is held in a courtyard.

Production Director Sam Opdahl stated that the theatre is focused on storytelling and trying to bring the kind of theatre the area doesn’t have.

“We want to bring more Shakespeare to the area because no one’s doing that, and there’s such a rich canon there that it’s kind of a shame that more theatres don’t,” Opdahl said.

“This production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a celebration of love, humor, and the magic of theatre,” Opdahl said. “We’ve put our hearts and souls into creating a show that will leave audiences laughing and spellbound. It’s an absolute joy for the actors to bring these iconic characters to life, and we can’t wait to share the laughter and wonder with our audience.”

Opdahl is excited for people to see the production, “we’ve all worked hard, and I’m proud of the entire thing,” she said, adding that she is thrilled for the community to see it.

Tickets can be purchased online at glashishcommunity.org/tickets or the theater box office.