"A Midsummer Night's Dream" to Hit Manalapan High School Stage

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" will be presented by the Manalapan High School Drama Club in early December. The shows will take place on Dec. 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and on Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. at .

This Shakespeare comedy consists of three stories that ultimately run together.

Initially, there are four lovers: Hermia (played by Allie Gorenc), Lysander (played by Dan Luhr-Seitz), Helena (played by Nicole Friedman), and Demetrius (played by Jason Schissel). Hermia and Lysander steal away into the forest to get married, when Demetrius, jealous, goes after the couple in an effort to win Hermia's love. Simultaneously, Helena follows after Demetrius in an effort to win his love.

Fairies also reside in these woods. Queen Titania (played by Lauren Crowe) and King Oberon (played by Josh Miller) are aruging about possessing a child. Oberon summons Puck (played by Steven Braunstein), a roguish fairy, to win his way. Puck is ordered to use a love potion found in the juice of a purple flower.

Puck uses this flower to cause problems for Queen Titania and also the other lovers in the story. He also takes the time to tease a group of townsmen whar are trying to stage aplay for the duke's wedding. The original plans do not follow through and the star of their play, Bottom (played by Michael Maxharn) winds up with the head of a donkey.

On Dec. 2, the parts of Hermia, Helena and Titania will be played by Janine Salano, Dana DeCarlo and Mollie Friedman, respectively.

Tickets for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” are $10 at the door, $8 in advance and $5 for seniors and students. For tickets and information, call 732-792-7200.