Marian Central stages 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

On Friday and Saturday, audiences for Marian Central Catholic High School's production of Shakespeare's famous comedy "A Midsummer Night's Dream" will be transported into a magical world of feuding fairies, mischievous sprites, bumbling peasants and misguided lovers.

The story begins with the young Hermia, pleading for permission to marry her true love, Lysander, even though she is betrothed to the proud Demetrius. Forced to either marry Demetrius or be sent to a convent, Hermia and Lysander flee into the forest to elope that evening.

They share their secret plans with Hermia's childhood friend, Helena, who has plans of her own. Helena's heart belongs to Demetrius, and she plans to use this new secret to win him back from Hermia.

All four lovers soon find themselves lost in the forest and at the mercies of the spirits that dwell therein, including Fairy Queen Titania and her king, Oberon, who are feuding within their own relationship. Plans are made and the plot, as they say, thickens -- and in true Shakespearean style, all great plans go awry and hilarious chaos ensues.

Come see how all is made right in this charming, high-energy interpretation of one of Shakespeare's most inspired comedies.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, in the Marian Central Catholic High School auditorium at 1001 McHenry Av., Woodstock.

Tickets are available only at the school box office before the shows, opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for senior citizens and students.

For more information, call (815) 338-4220.