Magic, mischief, and mismatched lovers are at cross purposes when the Santa Fe Opera premieres one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies. Choreographer and dancer Reed Luplau says there's no better setting for A Midsummer Night's Dream than our glorious desert stage.
Host Jane Trembley learns more about Reed's fascinating journey from his mother's dance studio on Australia's West Coast to some of the world's biggest venues. Reed also shares insight into his preparations for playing Puck, the fairy whose pranks cause so much confusion, as well as his process for crafting stories through movement. The conversation ends with Reed's must-see, do, and eat recommendations when in Santa Fe, a list that's sure to please locals and first-timers alike.
"We're really trying to see and push how far Puck can be... how dangerous he could be, but with an innocence to him," Reed says, offering listeners a glimpse into the collaborative relationship between choreographer and director Netia Jones.
In his quest to bring fresh energy to Shakespeare's 400-year-old original, Reed gave thorough consideration to the complex, often cheeky relationship between his impish fairy and King Oberon, to whom he is the court jester. Puck's ethereal nature and juvenile antics may prompt comparisons to Peter Pan, but Reed has another character on his mind heading into rehearsals: Randall Boggs, the shape-shifting villain from Monsters, Inc. "I don't know if I'm giving too much away," he laughs, "but, for now, I think it's playful, but it's not in an evil way."
Although A Midsummer Night's Dream marks Reed's first Shakespearian experience, this accomplished, joyful performer is no stranger to Santa Fe. He made his debut here in 2013 playing Bosie in Santa Fe Opera's world premiere of Oscar, a residency that instilled in him a great appreciation for the desert. His list of area favorites includes Lake Abiquíu for outdoor adventure and dining on the patio at Gabriel's. As fond as he is of those spots, Reed's most cherished memories of Santa Fe are those made on The Crosby Theatre stage. "The acoustics at Santa Fe are just incredible! My favorite part is the water," he says, referencing the small reflecting pool in front of the stage, often lovingly referred to as the moat. "It's so gorgeous, and it adds another element to the scenery of where you are."
Listeners can find Reed's list of Santa Fe favorites in the credits below.
CREDITS
Destination Santa Fe Opera is a Santa Fe Opera podcast, produced and edited by Andrea Klunder at The Creative Impostor Studios.
Mixed by: Edwin R. Ruiz
Hosted by: Jane Trembley
Featuring: Reed Luplau, Actor & Choreographer
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Abiquíu Lake, New Mexico
Gabriel's Restaurant
Cowgirl BBQ
Harry's Roadhouse
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