The Whitefish High School Theatre Department proudly presents Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” With its blend of romance, magic and mischief, the play transports audiences from the noble courts of Athens to the enchanted forests where fairies meddle in human affairs and a troupe of amateur tradesmen turned actors rehearse their play within a play. 

Showings are at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13, 14 and 15 at the Performing Arts Center in Whitefish. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors and are available at the door or online at the school’s GoFan, gofan.co/app/school/MT19807 

The story starts in Athens, where Theseus (John Tollerson), Duke of Athens, is set to marry Hippolyta (Hazel Beltz). Conflict arises when Egeus (Carmela Forcone) insists her daughter Hermia (Metta Cambell) marry Demetrius (Noah Oaks), though Hermia loves Lysander (Kenny Stone). Meanwhile, Hermia’s friend Helena (Lillian Nelson) pines for Demetrius.  

In the forest, fairy king Oberon (John Tollerson) and queen Titania (Cassidy Krack) quarrel, while the mischievous Puck (Jasper Chisholm) uses magic to meddle with the lovers’ affections. Fairy attendants—Moth (Madeline Spear), Cobweb (London Jones), Mustardseed (Dagny DeAnda), Peaseblossom (Faye Sebby), and other attendants (Syrcie Johnson, Hazel Beltz, Marlee Jones and Ann Galbraith) dart around the realm.  

Meanwhile, the “Mechanicals,” a group of tradesmen led by Peter Quince (Mason Loeffler), rehearse their play. Nick Bottom (Cody Blaize), bears the brut of Puck’s magic, sprouting a donkey’s head, before winning Titania’s love. Also among the “Mechanicals” is Francis Flute (Max Polumbus), Tom Snout (Syrcie Johnson), Snug (Dixon Baxter) and Robin Starveling (Gavin Pier).  

This production is directed by April Williams, assistant Nancy Wilson, and tech director Micah Groschupf. Live music is performed by the student quartet: Kalina Bruckerhoff, Nadia Reese, Zyra Singer and Harley Williams.  

The tech crew is the magic behind the stage. On tech crew is Cyrus Carter, stage manager; Johanna Perkins, backstage manager; Orla Sullivan, stage right; Mosby Stiffler, lights; Phoebe Stagg and Felix Vradenburg, sound board; Freya Hoge, Chana Melnick, Ayla Mikita and Bella Sluder, spotlights; Kate Sullivan, Rose Callaway, Jacob Cornett and Marlis Nargi, grips; Lillian Hoge, Freya Hoge, Nadia Reese, Sienna Weisgram, Vivian Duford, Chana Melnick and Coy Moss, costume and props; Dynalea Tomblin, Malorie Crane, Siena Weisgram and Kalista(Angel) Tampubolon, makeup and hair; Landon Crow, Jacob Cornutt, Chana Melnick, Ayla Mikita, Bella Sluder, Chantry Krack and Orla Sullivan, ushers and sales; and Mosby Stiffler, stage painter.  

“What a journey! When I chose to direct a Shakespearian comedy for the fall show, I never could have imagined the hurdles that lay in store,” wrote Williams, director, in the program. “I have loved seeing these kids rise to face every challenge, from the complex language to the cast changes. Their faith in the process and their excitement to bring this magical story to life has been an inspiration.”