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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Shakespeare is for kids

"Shakespeare for Kids," the sixth annual production designed to introduce children to the plays of William Shakespeare, returns to the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival with characters and situations from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

"Shakespeare for Kids," written by DeSales University alum Erin Sheffield and directed by fellow DeSales alum Matt Pfeiffer, runs July 22 - Aug. 1, Main Stage, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, Center Valley.

In this year's production, three actors are "Team Shakespeare." The team receives a "super-secret Shakespeare assignment" to perform one of Shakespeare's plays. Using humor, song and fun-loving mischief, "Team Shakespeare" brings to young minds the timeless magic of the 16th-century English playwright.

"We want children to have their first experience with Shakespeare from the stage," says Sheffield. "These plays were meant to be seen."

Sheffield thinks that the timelessness of Shakespeare is something all audiences can relate to, even children.

"Shakespeare tells us something about ourselves," she says. "The plays are about friendship, jealousy ... It boils down to what makes us human and what it feels like to be alive."

The children who come to see "Shakespeare for Kids" learn about the plot of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by singing along with the actors. References to fairies, nymphs and the language of Shakespeare are woven throughout the performance.

"Some of Shakespeare's best poetry is from 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,'" Sheffield says.

Set against the backdrop of whatever play is being performed on the Festival Main Stage, "Shakespeare for Kids" employs the imagination of its audience to bring the tale to life.

"I like to think of it like the actors are more like kids themselves," says Sheffield.

"This is what it would be like if Shakespeare had his own TV show, " she says.

"There's a secret word, a mailbox. It's very interactive. It's totally engaging for all ages."

Tickets: pashakespeare. org, 610-282-WILL (9455)

From left: Emiley Kiser, Jonathan J. Wallace and Peter Danelski, 'Shakespeare for Kids: 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' July 22 - Aug. 1, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Main Stage, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, Center Valley. PHOTO BY VICTORIA BLAIR