Midsummer Night's soiree in Madaket
BY MARLI GUZZETTA INDEPENDENT ARTS EDITOR
There was a time on island, before DVDs and the internet, when the collective bohemian, creative spirit of the arts community would combust in the form of parties where people wore costumes that became social calling cards.

This week, to raise money for the Nantucket Arts Council's Shakespeare by the Sea Festival (Aug. 12-18), Beverly Hall is unfurling flags and banners along Madaket Road to herald just such a party - a mid-summer night's medieval feast for which attendants are encouraged by decree of the king to dress as their favorite Shakespearean character to celebrate the solstice. Hall is converting her beautiful gardens (known for their sublime sunsets) into a tented arbor.

Ginger Andrews is re-creating a Bottom costume for Dwight Beman, who will reprise the role he played for a Theatre Workshop of Nantucket performance.

For those who come unadorned, the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket will bring a few pieces from its costume closet.

Though NAC president Reggie Levine refuses to wear tights to commemorate his turn as Puck, a role he played on island theatre, Hall is optimistic the turnout of costumes will enhance the authenticity of the evening. No utensils provided, all foods will be finger-friendly - savory meats, fruits, nuts, breads, edible flowers, as well as hors d'oeuvres. Actors and a host of other talents will perform, to give the party the feel of a classic wedding banquet in Shakespeare's time. John Knox- Johnston will make a character appearance, and Meredith Martin and David Lazarus will perform a skit in Hall's arbor, which is hereby dubbed "the temple." Falconer Mark Reindel will hold a demonstration with his bird of prey.

"Like a lot of things in theatre, this party will take its own life and course as we get closer to the date," Hall said.

A live auction will offer a handful of Shakespearean goodies (Hall has been busy on eBay) as well as dinner at wonderful Nantucket restaurants and bowls made by Barbara Toole especially for this party (the pieces have quotes from 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' on them).

Last year, the festival's first, the average attendance for performances was 300, with overall attendance for parties and events at about 1,000. Event chair Hadley St. John hopes to grow the attendance this year, for which the performances have been moved to the weatherproofed Bennett Hall.

The NAC is intending this party to be the primary fundraiser for the festival.

"Let's hope this night has the spirit of those older parties," Hall said. "If it weren't for the responsibility of making money, I'd tell everyone to come."

When: Fri., June 22, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Where: 44 Tennessee Ave. Cost: $150/couple; $80/person.

Tickets available at Bookworks, The Brigham Galleries and The Nobby Shop.For more informa tion, call 325- 8588.