Martha Plimpton to Play Helena in Central Park Midsummer Night's Dream

Tony nominee Martha Plimpton has been cast as Helena in the forthcoming Shakespeare in the Park production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Daniel Sullivan. Plimpton will replace the previously announced Missi Pyle, who has withdrawn from the production due to an unexpected scheduling conflict. Complete casting has been announced for the production, the second and final of Shakespeare in the Park's "Summer of Love." Previews will begin on August 7, with performances continuing for five weeks through September 9. The press opening will be August 23.

Plimpton was nominated for a 2007 Tony Award and won the 2007 Drama Desk Award for her performance in Tom Stoppard's trilogy The Coast of Utopia. She appeared on Broadway last season in Shining City. At the Public, Plimpton has appeared in Boston Marriage, Pericles and The Hagaddah.

The complete cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream includes Chelsea Bacon First Fairy, Ken Cheeseman Starveling, Christine Corpuz Ensemble, Jesse Tyler Ferguson Flute, Herb Foster Philostrate, Simon Garratt Fairy, Erica Huang Fairy, Ben Huber Ensemble, Cassidy Leonard Fairy, George Morfogen Egeus, Isis Ashai Mullen-Hansen Fairy, Mallory Portnoy Ensemble, Lina Silver Fairy, Keith Randolph Smith Snug, Jack Tartaglia Fairy, in addition to the previously announced Jason Antoon Snout, Keith David Oberon, Mireille Enos Hermia, Jon Michael Hill Puck, Austin Lysy Lysander, Tim Blake Nelson Quince, Daniel Oreskes Theseus, Laila Robins Titania, Jay O. Sanders Bottom, and Elliot Villar Demetrius.

In A Midsummer Night's Dream, four lovers flee Athens for the forest, unaware that their romantic squabble and parental difficulties will soon be overshadowed by magic. A fight between the King and Queen of the Fairies, Titania and Oberon, ensues, turning them into libidinous lunatics, while Titania herself falls in love with a buffoon turned ass. Shakespeare's sparkling romp proves "the course of true love never did run smooth." Scenic design is by Eugene Lee, costume design is by Ann Hould-Ward, lighting design is by Michael Chybowski, and sound design is by Acme Sound Partners.