A reader has written in with an ethical dilemma. Since he has requested to remain anonymous, we will refer to him as “Busy in the Big Apple.”

Dear Shakespeare Teacher,

My wife and I enjoy attending summer performances of Shakespeare in the Park. As you know, while the tickets are distributed free of charge, patrons must wait in line – usually for several hours – for two seats each. Since I work near Central Park and have the flexibility to take an extended lunch hour, the waiting typically falls to me.

Last summer, though, I came up with a different idea, something I like to think of as a new paradigm. I hired the vagrant who panhandles in front of my office building, and whom I occasionally patronize, to go to the park, wait in line for about three hours, and pick up two tickets. I offered him $20 and carfare. He agreed and brought back the tickets. I paid him and threw in a five dollar bonus. I thought the scheme was a win-win. The panhandler earned some honest money, my work productivity was enhanced, and my wife and I enjoyed an outstanding performance of Macbeth.

Not until after the play, though, did I reveal to my wife how I had obtained the tickets. She was horrified. She says that I cheated two other theatergoers and took advantage of a needy person, most likely enabling any substance abuse habit he may have. I understand her arguments, but I must demur. Friends tell me that wealthy donors get free tickets to Shakespeare in the Park without the wait. I’d rather subsidize a down-and-outer, whom I see as master of his own destiny.

Summer is fast approaching, as my co-conspirator reminds me almost every day. My wife and I have agreed to turn the issue over to you and your readers, lovers of the Bard as they must be. If you validate my approach, I will go the same route this summer as last. If not, I’ll grab a folio and head for the hawthorn-brake.

What should they do?

If you’re in the New York City area, you should check out A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Theater Ten Ten. I don’t want to give too much away, but let me tell you a little about the production I saw on Friday night.

It’s difficult to do something original, and yet supported, with this play, but director Judith Jarosz manages to pull more than a few surprises out of her bag of tricks that even a wary Shakespeare snob would have trouble nitpicking. Anticipate standout performances in the roles of Puck (Annalisa Loeffler), Hermia (Tatiana Gomberg), and Helena (Lynn Marie Macy), that not only challenge traditional interpretations of these characters, but also find new interpretations that really do work. And musical director/composer Jason Wynn deserves a special mention for some of the most memorable moments of the production.

Tickets are a bargain at $20, and the theatre is conveniently located on the upper east side of Manhattan, 1010 Park Ave., between 84th Street and 85th Street. The play runs through March 11. You can find more information on their website, including information on how to reserve tickets.

If you do see the show, you can discuss it in the comments section of this post. If you really like the show, you can give them some good buzz at the New York Innovative Theatre Awards website and help them get some additional funding. They’re a small theatre that does strong work, and can use all the support they can get. You can start by treating yourself to this wonderful show.

WARNING: Comments may contain further discussion of the show, including potential spoilers.