It’s not often one wonders about what the Bard would think.
But no matter, there’s little doubt William Shakespeare would be amused and enthused by the energy of Twin Lakes Secondary School’s latest theatrical production Midsummer Jersey.
“It’s a modern reboot of a classic with primarily modern text,” said play director Sally Holdsworth, who’s been teaching drama at Twin Lakes for 18 years.
Called an updated version of Shakespeare’s classic play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the modern retelling of the magical classic takes place in a seaside town in present-day New Jersey.
“I love that it tells the classic story of A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” she said, noting the modern play and its classic original both cover the same types of issues teenagers face such as frustration, anxiety, falling in love and occasionally going against a parent’s wishes.
“It’s been really fun to put together. And like with most Shakespeare plays, there are lots of subplots so there are a lot of good meaty roles.”
Grade 12 student Spencer Hipwell is playing Oberon in the production.
“It’s a classic take on a William Shakespeare play,” Hipwell said. “I think it’s good for a younger audience and makes it easier to understand and get the central message. I actually have some lines that are still Shakespeare.”
Work began on the play in November. It features a cast of 24 students from Grades 9 to 12 as well as eight students helping out with hair and makeup and close to a dozen students working backstage. Fifteen teachers are also helping out in a variety of roles.
“It’s fun because all grades are together, it’s not just the seniors or younger kids involved,” said student stage manager Alexis Verdon, who’s in Grade 11.
“It’s a fun play. It’s really hilarious. I think the audience will really be laughing.”
Grade 12 student Katie Gao serves as the play’s student director.
“I’ve been doing this since Grade 10,” she said, referring to her love of theatre. “It’s a really great atmosphere. Everybody’s got so much energy on stage.”
The story revolves around the impending marriage of the Governor of New Jersey, the love story of two high school couples, a group of high-tech hackers who use technology to create ‘magic’ as well as the staff of a local beauty salon intent on fulfilling their acting dreams.
A single night takes a creative turn when immortals Titania, Oberon and sidekick Puck arrive on the scene armed with a powerful love potion, high-tech mind control and a desire for mischief-making.
With several weddings and the acting careers of six beauticians hanging in the balance, the Jersey Shore couples take to the beach in the search of their own happily-ever-after.
Stage manager and Twin Lakes French/visual arts teacher Elizabeth Rolston said the play features plenty of hilarious moments that will undoubtedly keep the audience amused and intrigued to see what happens next.
“It’s just hysterical and a good time,” she said, adding the play has elements of not only slapstick and farce, but also cerebral comedy as well.
“I think any spectators are going to have a lot of laughs. I had a hard time doing my own job at times because I was laughing.”
Matinee performances are slated for Monday and Tuesday for local senior elementary school students with evening performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the general public.
The curtain rises at 7 p.m. each night with tickets costing $10 for adults and $8 for students.Tickets are available at the door and at the school office by calling 705-325-1318.
