Step into the theatre and be transported to mythical Ancient Greece with Bert Church High School’s May 2025 production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream!
This hilarious and approachable comedy is perfectly epitomized by its famous line, “The course of true love never did run smooth!”
Set in a mystical forest where mischievous fairies rule, A Midsummer Night’s Dream intertwines the stories of four young Athenians in love, a group of hilariously earnest amateur actors, and the whimsical quarrels of the fairy king and queen. Add to the mix the mischievous sprite, Puck, whose magical meddling turns the forest into a place of chaotic, heartfelt hilarity. The result is a delightful journey filled with mistaken identities, transformations and surprising twists — all infused with Shakespeare’s sparkling wit.
New and veteran students, alike, are working hard both on stage and behind the scenes to make this play a hit. One experienced Grade 12 student, Daphne Mohr, who wowed audiences in December with her heart-wrenching performance of Ellen in A Christmas Carol, takes on a starring role for her final high school production, playing Helena, a lovestruck young woman of Athens.
“I have never been a part of a play like this before, which makes A Midsummer Night’s Dream super-exciting!” says Mohr. “I am really looking forward to performing Shakespeare after reading it in school for so many years.”
Gee Nelles, another Grade 12 student, is particularly excited to put on this show, since it’s their first time assistant-directing. “I am a huge fan of Shakespeare’s work, and this is my favourite play of his, so getting to do it is a dream come true to me. The language is just so elegant!” says Nelles.
When asked why people should come to see the show, Nelles says, “I can never express how many amazing people are working on our production, from grades 9 through 12. I just know it will be a performance of a lifetime!”
This timeless tale of love, mischief and magic comes to life in a vibrant production that promises laughter, wonder and a touch of the extraordinary. The show hits the Bert Church Theatre stage at 7 p.m. from May 8-10, with a 2-p.m. matinee on May 10. Tickets will be available on the Bert Church LIVE Theatre website (tickets.airdrie.ca).
MJ Scott is a Grade 10 student at BCHS, playing the part of Puck. Jordin Adams is a Grade 12 student at BCHS and an assistant director of the show. Tom Williams is the drama teacher at BCHS and this production’s director.
