Stealing the play

Hempen Homespuns ?Steal the Show
Of all the great work done on this production, the working class men getting together to put on a play for Theseus and Hippolyta's wedding is the best of it. Like a jug band from Brother, Where Art Thou??they are fast, funny entertainment that demolishes the competition in their wake. Chris Herman is cast as Bottom, ass in name, ass in reputation. Usually Bottom is performed by a massive, braying overactor, who irritates his comrades. Herman, however, is a small towheaded man, with a twang to his reedy voice. His fellow workmen appreciate his superior acting ability, and applaud his overly ambitious performances. Herman is also innately sympathetic, and you warm up to his well-intentioned energy easily.

His transformation to an ass is creepier than usual. He is standing on stage when it happens through a little slig...