LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ -- Dr. Richard L. Homan, professor of fine arts at Rider University and resident of Philadelphia, will play the role of Aegeus and perform on the guitar in William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Arden Theatre, one of the top professional theatres in Philadelphia, April 7 through May 9.

This production will be the first on the Arden's new mainstage, the 299-seat F. Otto Haas Theatre. The opening will complete the conversion of the old post office building at 40 North Second Street in Old City, Philadelphia's popular new arts and restaurant district.

Director Aaron Posner will present this romantic fantasy in a modern-dress production characterized by the clarity which has made his previous productions of Shakespeare's classics popular.

This will be Dr. Homan's third artistic encounter with A Midsummer Night's Dream. As a graduate student he played the role of Lysander, and in the spring of 1995, he directed the Rider University Theatre production of the play.

Evening and matinee performances are scheduled Tuesday through Sunday. For tickets and further information, call (215) 922-8900.