Shakespeare magic back in Camden

A production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” has to steam and bubble with magic. If you don’t believe in the charmed world of Oberon and Titania, or the mischievous world of Puck, or the dreamy world of the lovers, then the spells simply don’t work.

The Camden Shakespeare Company, which is presenting “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in repertory this summer with “Othello” and “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown,” finds its own magic in a youthful company of acrobatic performers.

The first wave of the wand comes in the revival of a company that was active in Camden’s outdoor amphitheater more than 10 years ago. It folded most notably because of the unpredictable coastal weather that could spontaneously close the show for a night, or a week, or longer. While the nonprofit company disbanded the name remained active through the efforts of a few vigilant staff members and a small bank account.

The name and residual funds were passed on earlier this year to a group of classmates from Duke University in North Carolina. The friends expressed interest in reactivating the company after one member with local connections suggested they all move to Maine for the summer. Several of the actors are still students, while others have graduated and put their next career moves on hold to participate in this summer project.

The season opened last month with a one-time free performance of “Midsummer” in the old amphitheater. More than 200 people attended, and the company found itself loaded with prospects about reestablishing a tradition in one of Maine’s busiest and wealthiest summer communities.

Subsequent performances are taking place in the gorgeously restored and ornate Camden Opera House, which has its own bit of magic to offer. It’s an intimate setting, one which directors Eamonn Farrell and Andrea Davey use with brawny audacity. They have encouraged an ensemble, nearly workshop approach to this play, so the actors have a sky’s-the-limit range in which to explore their lively skills.

As a result, the performances are athletic, balletic and energetic. The cast members run through the aisles, leap onto the stage, bound into each other’s arms, do modern dance to live piano music and leave no space or motion unexpressed. They wear elegantly fluffy gowns, tuxedos, New York chic suits, lycra dance outfits and street clothes. Mixed with their considerable muscularity, it’s like watching Pilobolus, prom night, “Friends” and “Pride and Prejudice” all rolled into one.

Yes, it’s fun but the melange of interpretations can also be puzzling. It’s worth keeping this criticism in perspective, however: It’s as if you get a mall instead of the specialty store you were expecting. It may be overwhelming, but it’s not as if you won’t find something to take home.

Despite the fact that the actors seem to want to exercise the many skills learned in acting class, the show has choreographic appeal and sophistication. These are young people using their bodies at full throttle, and it can be inspiring to watch their irrepressible passion and endurance. Alyson Levy as Peaseblossom, Amy E. Matthews as Hermia, Chadwick Holmes as Flute and Cobweb, and John F. La Salle as Mustardseed are a particular delight in these roles.

By the time the two-hour presentation ends, you’ll be won over by this melodic medley of performances. You may wish for a dash less agitation in the delivery and a spot more enunciation of the lines. But it’s clear that the future is bright for this company. There’s room to grow here, but, as any good parent will tell you, it’s enchanting and exciting to watch the development of an already favored child. In other words, there’s magic to be had at the newly resuscitated Camden Shakespeare Company, and the young group with an old name is off to a vivacious and graceful start.

The Camden Shakespeare Company will perform “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” 8 p.m. July 8, 15, 19 and 22, and 2 p.m. July 23. “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” will be performed 8 p.m. July 6, 7, 9 and 20, and 2 p.m. July 16 and 22. “Othello” will be performed 8 p.m. July 13, 14, 16, 18, 21 and 23. All shows take place at the Camden Opera House, 29 Elm St. in Camden. For reservations, call 236-8077.