In its 10th year of presenting free Shakespeare plays, Coos Bay Shakespeare in the Park will present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” two consecutive weekends in June -- June 21, 22, 28, 29 – beginning at 3 p.m. at Mingus Park, 725 N. 10th Street, Coos Bay.

“Midsummer Night's Dream” is a play about love. "The course of true love never did run smooth.” This beloved story reveals that although love can be as absurd, confounding, disorderly, and changeable as a dream (and that mingling with fairies never goes easily on mortal folk), true love triumphs in the end, bringing happiness and harmony.
Ordered upon pain of death to marry Demetrius, a man she does not love, Hermia flees into the forest with her true love Lysander, followed by her friend Helena, who secretly loves Demetrius, who is also pursuing the couple. The four Athenians quickly draw the attention of the forest’s Fairy king Oberon, himself embroiled in a lovers’ spat with his wife Titania. Oberon orders his servant Puck to “help,” and mistaken identity and magic mix hilariously, adding a band of local yokels putting together a theatrical performance for the Duke’s wedding to the general confusion.

The venue is outdoors and is lawn seating so audience members should provide their own chairs or blankets and dress appropriately for the weather. There is no charge but donations will be gratefully accepted to help cover costs of scenery, costumes, etc. The actors, director, and all those who are involved in the productions are volunteers and receive no compensation. The actors come from the community, people from all different walks of life, including experienced actors and those new to the craft. They represent a wide range of ages and come from several of the local Coos Bay/North Bend theater groups.