Student Rehearsal for Dreamland. -COURTESY PHOTO
Youth Theatre at Alliance for the Arts is proud to announce its upcoming production of “Dreamland” (or a musical riff on Shakespeare’s Midsummer set during the declassification of Area 51).
This over-the-top, movie-style musical comedy will run from April 30 to May 3 in the Foulds Theatre at the Alliance for the Arts.
Written by the award-winning team of Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen (Tuck Everlasting/Burnt Part Boys), “Dreamland” was originally commissioned by the Educational Theatre Association and Concord Theatricals specifically to celebrate the energy and talent of high school and ensemble performers.
Student Rehearsal for Dreamland. -COURTESY PHOTO
The Story
The year is 1957—or is it today? When a group of high school honor students is given free rein of a top-secret military base just two days before its official declassification, chaos ensues. The students quickly find themselves caught in a cosmic “Midsummer” love quadrangle involving:
The Lovers: Science nerds and teenage pilots struggling with hormones and gravity.
The “Fairies”: All-knowing (and occasionally glittery) aliens who have been trapped in the base since the 1950s.
The “Mechanicals”: Reimagined as a high-stakes, hyper-competitive high school show choir.
With a score that seamlessly blends contemporary musical theater pop with the smooth, crooning sounds of the 1950s, “Dreamland” explores themes of identity, first love, and the “unknown” with a wink and a nod to sci-fi classics.
-COURTESY PHOTO
Produced by longtime educator and Youth Theatre Director Carmen Crussard, Dreamland is a hilarious, modern-day tribute to the timeless works of William Shakespeare. Crussard, who also serves as the Theatre Director at Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts, launched the Youth Theatre program at the Alliance in 2012. Since then, she has produced more than 40 shows and mentored hundreds of students of all ages.
“We chose Dreamland because it is a brilliant ode to Shakespeare,” said Crussard. “The modern spin on the classic Midsummer characters and storyline proves how timeless these themes remain today. With a ‘boppy’ and fun score from start to finish—penned by my personal favorite composer/lyricist team—this production offers a fresh experience for both the cast and the audience. I love producing lesser-known shows that allow our community to discover something entirely new.”
Cast grouped by their respective high schools:
Cypress Lake High – The production features several students from Cypress Lake High, including 11th graders Jayelynn Baughman as Melissa Sims and Grace Olson as Principal Wilson. The 10th-grade cast includes Harper Schofield (Colonel Rasmussen), Reagan Strachan (Aurora), Katie Cook (Quinn), Genevieve Haas (Titania), and Karrington Kennelly (Cobweb). Representing the 9th grade are Tristan Michael (Randy), Zoey Levangie (Puck), and Maria Serra (Mustardseed).
North Fort Myers High – Students from North Fort Myers High include 10th grader Sophia Robinson in the role of Snyder, along with 9th graders Layla Butterworth as Scott and Chase Lawton as Peaseblossom.
Oasis High – Oasis High is represented by 10th graders Isabela Chica, who plays Rebecca, and Constantine Belis, who takes on the role of Eliot.
Other Schools & Homeschool – The cast is rounded out by Gabriel Chavez, an 8th grader from The Cape Academy, serving as the Camera Operator; Alexa Careccia, a 10th grader from Bishop Verot High, playing Oberon; and Julie Bowser, a 10th-grade Homeschool student, performing as Moth.
Student Rehearsal for Dreamland. -COURTESY PHOTO
IN THE KNOW:
Performance Dates:
April 30, May 1 & 2 at 7:30 p.m.
May 3 at 2 p.m.
Tickets:
$20 General Admission • $15 Students/Kids
Location:
Alliance for the Arts – Foulds Theatre
10091 McGregor Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919
Tickets and information available at ArtInLee.org or call 239-939-2787.