Ballet
A Midsummer Night's Dream
This is Balanchine's full length ballet based on the Shakespeare comedy, and it is full of fairies, mismatched lovers, and a bit of magic mischief. Set to Mendelssohn's music, it mixes storytelling with pure dancing. It is a fun pick for families because the plot is playful and easy to enjoy.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Felix Mendelssohn
- Choreographer
- George Balanchine
- Premiere
- 1962, New York
- Structure
- Two acts
- Running time
- About 1 hour 45 minutes
The story
The ballet follows the tangle of lovers and fairies from Shakespeare's play. In the enchanted forest, the fairy king Oberon and queen Titania quarrel, and a magic flower makes people fall in love with the wrong partners. A mischievous sprite named Puck causes plenty of mix ups, including a man given the head of a donkey. By the end the spells are undone and the couples are happily sorted out. The second act often shifts into a grand wedding celebration full of dancing.
What A Midsummer Night's Dream is famous for
- based on Shakespeare's comedy
- Mendelssohn's well known music
- mischievous fairies and Puck
- a grand second act celebration
Companies that perform A Midsummer Night's Dream
A Midsummer Night's Dream is in the repertoire of companies including New York City Ballet.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this ballet based on the Shakespeare play?
Yes, it follows the story of Shakespeare's comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream, with its lovers and fairies.
Who composed the music?
Felix Mendelssohn, whose music for the play is very famous, including the well known wedding march.
Is it good for kids?
Many families enjoy it because the story is playful and the fairy magic is easy to follow.
Who composed A Midsummer Night's Dream?
A Midsummer Night's Dream was composed by Felix Mendelssohn.
How long is A Midsummer Night's Dream?
A Midsummer Night's Dream runs about 1 hour 45 minutes.