By Andrew Buckner

A mere three days after its wrap-up of filming On July 30th, the official trailer for acclaimed writer and director Richard Griffin’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, has arrived. At precisely 7 p.m. on August 2nd, 2016, Griffin gave a seventy-second glimpse into the twenty-first full-length feature under the Scorpio Film Releasing banner via Facebook. The motion picture, scheduled to be released on January 14th, 2017, promises to be a take on the immortal Bard’s oft tackled play, which was first published in 1596, as never spied before. With an incredible cast led by Anna Rizzo as Titania and Jamie Dufault as Demetrius, along with Griffin’s uncanny knack for comic timing, such is a promise the talent at hand is more than capable of delivering upon. There is also a true sense of magic clearly evident. Such is only made all the more palpable and vibrant by Jill Poisson’s lush, gorgeous cinematography. This is another spectacular characteristic which is proudly at the forefront throughout the hypnotic preview.

The movie also stars Christian Masters as Snug, Steven O’ Brien as Theseus and Laura Pepper as Robin Starveling. It also oversees the incredible talents of Johnny Sederquist as Puck and Robin Goodfellow, Casey Wright as Robin Peaseblossom and Elizabeth Loranth as Helena. Aaron Andrade appears as Snout, Lee Rush as Hippolyta and Ashley Harmon as Hermia. Margaret Wolf provides the wonderful costume design. It is another astonishing attribute immediately noticeable in the above exhibited advertisement. John Dusek and Torey Haas are credited with the special effects. The editing is conducted, much in the manner of Griffin’s prior efforts, by the principal of the piece.

Bringing Griffin’s distinct version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the screen has been a passion project for the cinematic artist. He has been trying to get the endeavor to see fruition since 2000. In that year, he released his cinematic debut, Titus Andronicus. This was a modernization of one of Shakespeare’s lesser known works. The original composition of which was understood to have been initially distributed circa 1588-1593. With this in mind, it is easy to see Griffin’s knowledge and respect of the literary master. Such a realization makes the excitement to see Griffin’s latest production, which he is not shy about sharing his own enthusiasm for, all the more intense. I know I greatly anticipate experiencing the sure too be masterful opus myself.