A midsummer night's scream in Bell Buckle

The 'Rustics' block out their moves on stage at the Tennessee Shakespeare Festival in Bell Buckle. Led by 'Bottom, center (Jerry Wimsett), the local tradesmen put on a play within a play in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' that always leaves the audience laughing. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Order this photo]

"So far, we're on schedule," said Lane Davies, the director of the Tennessee Shakespeare Festival's upcoming productions, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Romeo and Juliet." Then, he grinned and reached out and knocked wood.

Skilled actors

"Midsummer" premiers Thursday night under a massive tent on the Webb School grounds. Davies has taught Shakespeare to Webb students over the last year, and there are a few of his "Twelfth Night" and "Henry V" cast members joining the interns and apprentices on the festival stage. But he stresses that these are professional productions.

"We have Equity actors out of Nashville -- 'A' list," said the former star of the night time drama "Santa Barbara." "This isn't a school production -- Webb is just being a gracious host."

Gracious host

It's the second year Webb has been a gracious host. Last year marked the inaugural Shakespeare venture, also offering Davies' unique take on the classic tale of Oberon, Titania, Puck, and a quartet of frustrated and befuddled young lovers. Instead of Athens, Greece, Davies moved the setting to Athens, Ga., in the Depression era, with the ghosts of Confederate soldiers and children killed in the Civil War taking the place of the fairies.

Instead of a palace or Oberon's woodland home, there are two Southern mansions, one pristine and clean, and the other shrouded in cobwebs and history.

Set changes

Both "mansions" are the same, of course, changed with simple props and lighting. But the set, which has evolved in less than two weeks from a pile of lumber to a stately plantation home, will evolve yet again before the summer is over.

"We'll have to redress the set for 'Romeo and Juliet,'" said Davies. "It will look like the interior and exterior of a fort."

His interpretation of the classic tragedy is also set in America, but up north and just after the French & Indian War.

Partying for funds

There will be a special party Saturday before the show.

"It's a fundraiser and our way of thanking out supporters," said Davies. "Tickets are $50 and that includes a cocktail party, dinner, and seats under the tent."

Food will be prepared by Ryan's Smokin' Rotisserie, featuring beef brisket with mushrooms, along with a host of other dishes. Dress is casual. Hosts for the pre-party are Mary Moss and Lynn Lien. For information contact llien@comcast.net or mtm.whs@comcast.net.

Reservations

Reservations made online for premium seating for all the shows are $10 per person, or $15 at the door. Festival seating is $5 at the door. Children 12 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. A two-show premium seating package is $18.

All seating is general admission. Premium seating is under the tent, and chairs are included. For festival seating, chairs, blankets, picnics and alcohol are allowed. Souvenir chairs will be available for rental, or can be purchased at the site. A variety of vendors and concession stands will operate as well, and a troupe of young actors, interns and apprentices with the production, will entertain in the crowd beforehand.

No rain, hopefully

Although torrential rains canceled one production last year, Davies holds out hope for better weather this year.

"I want it to rain Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday -- then stop. Then Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday -- then stop. Just to cool things down," he said.

On schedule

The performances of "A Midsummer Night's Dream will be" will be Thursday through Sunday of this week and Thursday, Friday and Sunday of next week. There will be no performances on July 4.

The performances of "Romeo and Juliet" Will be July 10, 11 and 12, then July 16, 17, 18, and 19. The gates open at 6 p.m. each night and the plays begin at 8 p.m.

Parking is located off Abernathy Street in downtown Bell Buckle. The Webb School address is 319 Webb Road, Bell Buckle. For more information, log on to www.tennesseeshakespearefestival.com. Tickets can be purchased on the festival site. You can also e-mail info@ticketsnashville.com or call (615) 628-9100.