Submitted by San Juan Community Theatre

More than 80 islanders are having fun with music and Shakespeare, ready to share that excitement at San Juan Community Theatre on Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 16–19.

The SJCT Family Theatre musical production of Steve Titford’s “Shakespeare Rocks” features a cast of 50 K-6 graders and 10 adults/parents as well as a tech crew of more than 20, including many middle school kids.

The play centers on Aubrey, The Rough Shakespeare Company’s pretentious director, who obtains what appears to be William Shakespeare’s lost diary. Along with Al, a down-to-earth assistant, the pair decide to embark on an exclusive adaptation of the flamboyant bard’s personal journal.

“It’s very lighthearted and goofy,” said SJCT Family Theatre Youth and Program Director Penelope Haskew. “Both the kids and adults are having so much fun with it.”

Mixed up in that fun is a little history lesson about the life and times of Shakespeare and how he came “to be.”

“The cast and audience will come away with a deeper appreciation of his history,” said Haskew. In fact, Haskew said she’s “been tickled” by how many kids excitedly telling her how they keep hearing Shakespeare references from television, movies and cartoons.

The featured songs, such as “No Girls Allowed,” “Romeos and Juliets,” and “All the World’s a Stage,” are modern, catchy and full of energy; with a plot that is complete with puns and tongue and cheek humor.

The business partner for the production is Printonyx. Tickets are $17 for adults and $9 for student reserved; $5 student rush at the door if any seats are available. The SJCT box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more info, visit www.sjctheatre.org or call 360-378-3210.