The Bard does Jersey

The Columbia Falls High School Drama Club will present “Midsummer Jersey” on March 1-2 and 8-9 at the high school’s Little Theater. The play is a modern interpretation of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Instead of four young Athenian lovers manipulated by fairies, performers play Jersey Shore beach-bound lovers manipulated by fairies with plenty of modern intonations.

It’s MTV, heavily influenced by the Bard.

The lead roles are played by Micinze Christopherson as Helene, Mark Hader as Lyle, Hunter Role as Denis and Alexi Corbett as Mia.

The play is directed by Matt Ford and choreographed by Ellen Blickhan. Ford takes the place of Lean Shanks, who directed plays and musicals for Columbia Falls schools for several years but has since found a different job. Ford is no stranger to Columbia Falls — he directed plays here about 10 years ago and is now pursuing a career in teaching.

“Midsummer Jersey” runs about 1 hour and 45 minutes in two acts with a total cast of 32 players, plus lighting and set crews. The show is for all ages, Ford said.

Tickets are $7 adults, $4 students and free for children under 12. Tickets will be available at the door. All shows start at 7 p.m.