The theatre arts department of Abbotsford Christian School (ACS) presents its production of the Shakespeare play The Comedy of Errors, starting Friday, Feb. 24.
The production runs Feb. 24 and 25 and March 2-4 at 7 p.m. in the ACS middle school gym, 35011 Old Clayburn Rd.
The department has made a creative twist to the comedy by writing their own music and placing this Elizabethan classic in a western town.
Director Jeff Kiers, who has been involved in 30 shows, said students designed, drafted and built a 60-foot-long western town made up of five different buildings, including a saloon and jail.
“I love a challenge, and the kids were excited to push themselves to create this crazy theatre experience,” Kiers said.
Previous productions by the theatre arts department have included a variety of shows from Anne of Green Gables to The Caucasian Chalk Circle.
Kiers said they have always enjoyed the challenge of creating theatre that takes the “high school” out of high school theatre.
“I don’t actually like high school theatre much. I’d rather try to get our kids to think beyond traditional high school work. We are looking for a theatre experience. My goal has always been to ‘wow’ the audience and I’m pretty sure this show will do just that,” he said.
Kiers said ACS works with a talented staff of technicians, including Dani DeJong, who works in the costume department at local theatre group Gallery 7.
“Dani is able to capture the essence of the play and design costumes that enhance the colour and texture of the show.
“The costumes are colourful and vibrant with a heightened comedic feel. From western clothing to antique props to a horse feeding trough, this show will be a visual treat.”
Music teacher Bill Workman created five original western scores for the show.
Advance tickets are $8 for the Thursday, March 2 show and $10 for the other shows. Tickets at the door are $2 extra.
They are available online at abbotsfordchristian.com/drama