The Calhoun On Tour Company presents "Midsummer/ Jersey"

Celebrating its 30th year of performing Shakespeare, The Calhoun High School On Tour Company is continuing its Shakespeare themed season with the Ken Ludwig’s Midsummer/ Jersey. Performances will be held on January 15th, 16th, 22nd, and 23rd in the Calhoun High School auditorium, located at 1768 State Street, Merrick, NY 11566. Performances begin at 7:30 pm. Directed by Mr. Salvatore Salerno, tickets to Midsummer/ Jersey can be reserved by phone at (516) 992-1377.

This spin on the classic romantic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, has Shakespeare’s plot and characters modernized, making them funnier and more relatable than ever before. Ludwig’s play expertly combines elements of Shakespeare and the television show, Jersey Shore. The story is told as a flashback, as stars of the hit show, Smokin’ Hot in Jersey: the Loose and the Luscious, Cookie and the Understatement recount the events leading up to their marriage. Formerly known as Mia DiCarlo (Lori Zomback) and Lyle Fagioli (Peter Sideris) respectively, the lovers attempt to run away in order to elope in secret. Their plans are complicated however, by Mia’s lovesick best friend, Helene (Ashley Starr), and her jealous ex-boyfriend and the object of Helene’s unrequited love, Denis (Alexander Greenwald). The four lovers have their worlds turned completely upside down by the meddling fairies, as Oberon (Ryan Dziedziech) quarrels with Titania (Bianca Liriano), and mischievous, iPhone obsessed Puck (Jake Levy) creates chaos with love potions.

The talented cast includes both new and returning faces, featuring Mikey Multer as the Governor, Rachel November as Hippolyta, Peter Sideris as Lyle, Lori Zomback as Mia, Alexander Greenwald as Denis, Ashley Starr as Helene, Katie Appello as Nikki Bottom, Ryan Dziedziech as Oberon, Bianca Liriano as Titania, and Jake Levy as Puck.

Tickets for Midsummer/ Jersey are $9 for students and seniors and $12 for adults, and can be purchased at the door. You can reach the box office at (516) 992-1377 to reserve tickets for the show. Further information can be found on the On Tour Company website: www.chsontourco.org.

The rest of the year’s season consists of Joe DiPietro’s musical, All Shook Up, based on and featuring the music of Elvis Presley and The Public Theatre’s Public Work’s musical adaptation of The Tempest.

Mr. James Drake and Dr. Dale Parkinson founded the On Tour Company in 1973. The program, under the direction of Mr. Salvatore Salerno, has been performing since 1985, and now it is one of the finest performing arts programs in any high school on Long Island and in New York State. It was voted Best High School Theatre Program in the Northeast for 2012 by Stage Directions Magazine.

For more information, email ontourcopublictiy@gmail.com