By Reanna Filmore
The classic forest of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream has been replaced by a neon-soaked 1980s nightclub known as “The Wood” in the latest production from the Hanover Theatre Repertory. Central to this high energy adaptation is Livy Scanlon, who takes on the dual roles of Philostrate and Puck.
In an interview with What’s Up Worcester, Scanlon shared how this interpretation blends the rigid structure of a corporate chief of staff with the playful, magical spirit of an “agent of joy.”
One Being in Two Worlds
While Philostrate and Puck are traditionally written as two separate characters, this production treats them as a single entity. Scanlon explained that the character’s life is split between two distinct environments.
“By day, this character’s name is Philostrate and they live in this sort of corporate world and they serve as sort of the chief of staff to the governor,” Scanlon said. “And then by night, they are this magical fairy who enchants the nightclub.”
By sharing key costume pieces between the roles, the production aims to show a single spirit navigating different layers of society. Scanlon described the character as a “magical shape shifting, all seeing, all sort of knowing kind of spirit” who straddles both the human and fairy realms.
A Pure Hearted Approach to Mischief
Puck is often portrayed as a malicious or purely disruptive figure, but Scanlon has chosen a different path for this performance. Drawing inspiration from the title characters in Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Scanlon portrays Puck with a focus on fun rather than damage.
“I’ve actually taken a much more sort of pure hearted and gentle approach to Puck,” Scanlon noted. “Yes, mischievous, but in a playful, fun, joyful way. Not in a malicious or trying to cause damage kind of way.”
Scanlon described the character as an “agent of Joy” who follows the instructions of the fairy king, Oberon, while remaining deeply invested in the world around them. This version of Puck is meant to lack a personal agenda, acting instead as a source of silliness rooted in joy.
The Physicality of the 80s
The 1980s setting heavily influences the movement and energy on stage. To capture the magical, gliding nature of a spirit within a nightclub environment, Scanlon performs while wearing Heelys, which are sneakers with built-in wheels.
“Because Puck is sort of magical, the director has me performing on Heelys,” Scanlon said. “It’s been a journey.”
The footwear serves as a primary way the era’s aesthetic is integrated into the character’s movement. According to Scanlon, the 80s backdrop is intended to make the story more relatable while maintaining the integrity of the original text.
Universal Language and Identity
For Scanlon, playing a character that challenges traditional rules and identity feels particularly relevant. Scanlon, who is gender non-conforming, finds empowerment in portraying Puck as a being that does not perform a particular gender.
“Just really sort of allowing myself to be, to not perform a particular gender, to just be, to just be, period,” Scanlon said. “And that is an empowering and fun thing to get to do as an actor.”
Scanlon emphasized that while the setting and pace of the play are modern and accelerated, the core mission remains the same.
“The actor’s job is to use Shakespeare’s language to communicate urgent, relatable human needs,” Scanlon said. “No matter what the setting is, ultimately that’s what we’re doing with that language.”
The production is scheduled to run through early February, with performances held at the Jean McDonough Arts Center.
🔍 The W.U.W. Verification Box
- Project / Topic: HT Rep production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Current Status: Performances ongoing through early February 2026
- Key Dates or Decisions: Interview conducted late January 2026; play features a performance on February 5, 2026
- Estimated Cost (if applicable): Tickets vary by performance date and seating
- Timeline (if known): Production set in a 1980s nightclub adaptation
- Immediate Next Steps: Residents can check the Hanover Theatre website for remaining ticket availability
- Primary Sources: Direct interview with actor Livy Scanlon conducted by Reanna Filmore; Hanover Theatre Repertory official site
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