Meet the Cast of Midsummer! Spotlight on Rachel Purcell (Helena)

Rachel, in addition to playing Helena in this summer's production of Midsummer, helps out with Classics on the Rocks' marketing efforts and writes these blog intros. She feels very awkward writing her own and will therefore keep it short and to the point: this is her fifth year and fourth mainstage show with the company, and said company runs a real risk of being stuck with her forever.

What's your #1 bucket list role, Shakespeare or otherwise?

I would die to play literally any character in the musical Mamma Mia. It is painful for me to admit that I am not a strong enough singer to ever do this outside my living room/a karaoke bar.

What do you do when you're not acting - or what would you do if you weren't an actor?

I do digital marketing consulting for arts organizations where my entire immediate team is composed of badass women. If I could do anything in the world, though, I'd bring Shakespeare and/or sex education into underserved school communities.

What's your most embarrassing childhood memory (that you're willing to share)?

We had to line up alphabetically for eighth grade graduation, and the teacher said "Look at and remember the people on your right and left so that you can recreate this line, day of." I was next to a cute boy who, at that moment, raised his hand to ask a question - but I thought he was raising his hand to high five me, like "Yeah! Line buddies!", and I high fived him back. I am mortified to this day.

If a movie was being made of your life which actor would you choose to play you? What's the movie called?

This Oscar season, Emma Watson stars in "The Voice In My Head is My Best Friend."

Join us this summer for one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies filled with frolicking fairies, a ridiculous troupe of actors, and the most epic love triangle ever seen.

A Midsummer Night's Dream performs July 12, 13, 19, 20 at 7pm and July 21 at 5pm at the Alchemical Theatre Laboratory. Tickets may be purchased in advance here.

About Classics on the Rocks:

Shakespeare doesn't have to be complicated and it's our mission at Classics on the Rocks to make classical theatre accessible, exciting, palatable, and fun for everyone - whether you're brand new to Shakespeare or have read the canon cover to cover.

At Classics on the Rocks, we believe that just as whiskey doesn't need anything more than rocks to tame its bite. Shakespeare doesn't need fancy concepts, modernizations, frilly costumes, or big sets to make it relatable. All you need are talented actors who trust the text and tell the story. It's classics served simply on the rocks.