Audience Reactions
It was terrific program Anita. I so admire your desire and skill at cross-pollination in the arts. It was thoroughly engaging. RACC would love a selection (your choice) of images to use in future publicity materials. I imagine you have many which are good as the program was alive with action and colors. Thank you Anita for the opportunity to see the program. I hope you and the youth are pleased with the end result. Oh, and the video was awesome!
- Helen Daltoso, Grants Officer, Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC)
–
If I haven’t said it enough I’ll say it again, it was really a great show. I don’t think I have enjoyed a performance that much in years. Both Marty and I said that evening that we hope it will be done again. I realize that is a tall order considering that the talent is mostly student-based and school schedules interfere. Anyway, I just want to emphasize that I think the concept is brilliant and the execution was first rate. Marty and I get season tickets for two prominent theatrical organizations in Portland. Those two outfits haven’t put on anything that we enjoyed nearly as much as we enjoyed Midsummer Night’s Dream.
- Bill & Marty Hall
–
Oh my gosh! I was blown away. What an amazing production you created! It was gorgeous — easily one of the best, most joyous, inspiring nights I’ve had in the theatre in a long time. I am in awe of the work and thought and creativity it took to put it all together. Costumes were stunning! The wee ones so adorable! And just magnificent storytelling. It was really a special evening.
- Marci Crowson, ETP Artistic Director from Oregon Children’s Theatre
–
My family and I had an absolutely wonderful time. Thank you and congratulations to all involved!
- Sarah Jane Hardy, Artistic Director, Northwest Children’s Theatre and School
–
My congratulations to Anita! That was quite an undertaking, and the result was impressive!
- Chanda Hall, Artistic Director, Staged! Musical Theatre Series
–
I just wanted to drop you a note saying how impressed I was with the production today. I’ve never seen anything like it. And I was so moved, entertained and just really in awe at how professional and polished all your dancers were, down to the littlest (who were so cute); how your costumes ran the gamut of the rainbow, nothing out of place, how the music was simultaneously toe-tapping and inspiring and perfectly married to the story. You just really proved the point that art transcends language, transcends country, transcends genre.
- Kinnari Cowell-Shah
–
This was the most creative production I have ever seen and I’ve been going to the Shakespeare festival in Ashland for years. Midsummer Nights’s Dream’s Puck did a great job of reciting Shakespeare with Bharatanatyam gestures. Congratulations to all of you and Anita Menon
- Lakshmi Jagannathan, Executive Director, TiE Oregon
–
The seemingly improbable combination of bharanatayam, ballet & Beethoven to interpret Shakespeare worked amazingly well. A unique, creative piece by Anita Menon — there was bhangra, dandia, hip-hop, tap and also the theme from “Pink Panther” to boot. A different cultural experience for many Portland friends.
- Ketan Sampat, Founder, Cafegive
–
Well done!!! Such a creative, technically amazing and humorous show!!
- Annette Funkhouser Martin, Program Rep, Christian Youth Theater
–
Thank you so much for inviting me to yesterday’s incredible performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Overall, the performance was the most original interpretation of Shakespeare I have ever seen. Last night I told all my friends what an incredible performance it was and they were all very interested in attending. Do you have more shows coming up?
- Eloise Grout, Director of Programs, Saturday Academy
–
I brought a friend to your show and we both enjoyed it immensely. Please pass along to the dancers what an amazing performance this was. From the talented dancers & actors, to the gorgeous colorful costumes we had such an enjoyable time. Everything about the production was really really great- Bravo! P.S. The video after the production was such fun too – love the dancing feet in the car!
- Heidi Kramer
–
Just wanted to send a quick note of congratulations on a wonderful performance. It was a labor of love and the creativity and passion were simply energetic. Looking forward to the next performance!
- Allison Sodha
–
Excellent dance production of the highest caliber. Imaginative music and beautiful pairing of many dance forms, along with a interesting take on Shakespeare’s famous tale. Great job to everyone involved and Anita for her vision.
- Ann Sharma
