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Ken Ludwig's Midsummer/Jersey

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  10w, 5m

Ken Ludwig

Midsummer/Jersey is the hilarious high-octane re-telling of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream set on the boardwalk of a seaside town in modern-day New Jersey.

Ken Ludwig's Midsummer/Jersey

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    10w, 5m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Adaptation (Shakespeare), Parody/Spoof, Romantic Comedy
  • Suggested Use
    • Cutting Approved for Competition
    • Scene Work
    • Competition or Audition Material
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for All Audiences, Pre-Teen (Age 11-13), Teen (Age 14-18)
Ken Ludwig's Midsummer/Jersey

Details

Summary
Midsummer/Jersey is the hilarious high-octane re-telling of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream set on the boardwalk of a seaside town in modern-day New Jersey. The story revolves around the impending marriage of the Governor of New Jersey, the love affairs of four beach-bound high school crushes, a lively crew of fairies and the staff of the local beauty salon (run by Patti Quince and Stylist Nikki Bottom). The night takes a magical turn when Oberon and the impish Puck arrive on the scene armed with a powerful love potion and a desire for mischief making. With several weddings and the acting careers of six beauticians hanging in the balance, the lovers take to the boardwalk, backed by pop music and an iPhone-obsessed wood sprite.
History

Midsummer/Jersey received its world premiere in November 2011 at James Robinson High School in Fairfax, VA where it played to sold-out houses.

Keywords
Performing Groups

THE REAL WORLD CHARACTERS
The Adults
PATRICIA PLATT – Wildwood High School principal. Intelligent, middle-aged female.
CHRIS ATHENS – Governor of New Jersey, early 40s, young and hip, good guy
HIPPOLYTA – Governor’s fiancé, smart, upbeat and sensitive
PHYLLIS TRAIT - Governor’s secretary, always carrying a note pad and checking items off
JUSTINE DICARLO - Governor’s chief of staff, Mia’s (Cookie) mother
RUFUS DICARLO – Justine’s husband, Mia’s father, very shy and afraid of Justine, his wife

The Four High School Crushes
MIA "COOKIE" DICARLO – a volatile ball of energy, sassy, bold and emotional; in love with Lyle
LYLE "THE UNDERSTATEMENT" FAGIOLI – farcical macho lover, buff and self-confident; in love with Mia
DENIS – in love with Mia (Cookie), buff and self-confident, had a “thing” with Helene
HELENE – in love with Denis; romantically tormented, also sassy and emotional; works at the lobster place 
MATAWAN; a taller version of Mia

The Hair Salon Attendants – they are practicing their play of Romeo and Juliet in hopes of being chosen to perform for the Governor and Hippolyta on their wedding day.
PATTI QUINCE – owns the salon
NIKKI BOTTOM – stylist; has an overinflated opinion of her own acting talent; overacts everything and wants to play every part of the play within the play
FRANCI FLUTE – tanning specialist
JANET SNUG – manicures, very shy
TERRI THUMBS - massage
ROBERT SUDDS – shampoo specialist

THE FAIRY WORLD CHARACTERS
OBERON – king of the fairies, extraordinary in looks, dress and attitude
TITANIA – queen of the fairies, extraordinary in looks, dress and attitude, she and Oberon are fighting because she didn’t buy him the muscle car he wanted for his birthday.
ROBIN GOODFELLOW (PUCK) – endearing and mischievous sprite; Oberon’s messenger; must be athletic

Titania's Faries:
MOONBEAM
SUNFLOWER
SUNSHINE
TURTLE
PEASBLOSSOM
MUSTARDSEED
COBWEB
MOTE

Without doubling, at least 27 actors, 22 women and 5 men (but opportunities for more fairies, both male and female). With doubling, 15 actors: 10 women and 5 men.

  • Time Period Present Day, New Millennium/21st Century, Contemporary
  • Setting The boardwalk of a seaside town in modern-day New Jersey.
  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes, Fantasy Costumes
  • Additional Features Local Celebrity Cameo, Physical Comedy, Play with Music, Stage Combat, Special Effects
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • No Special Cautions

Media

“An explosive combination of brassy personalities and bold hilarity.” – Fairfax Station Patch

“A seamless blend of MTV reality show Jersey Shore and Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream... with fresh, poetic dialogue, frequent recitations of authentic quotes, and countless pop culture references.”– Fairfax Connection

“Appealing to the cultural tastes and theatrical ambitions of the [next] generation.” – The Washington Post

“A sensational jest of pop culture and examines the test of true love... An explosive combination of brassy personalities and bold hilarity.” – Fairfax Station Patch

For more info, visit kenludwig.com.

Videos

  • Meet The Playwright: Ken Ludwig youtube thumbnail

    Meet The Playwright: Ken Ludwig

Music

  • Musical Style N/A (Not a musical)
  • Vocal DemandsN/A (Not a musical)
  • Chorus Size No Chorus

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:
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Authors

Ken Ludwig

Ken Ludwig

Ken Ludwig has had six productions on Broadway and eight in London’s West End. His 34 plays and musicals are staged around the world and throughout the United States every night of the year.

His first play, Lend Me a Tenor, won two Tony Awards and was called “one of the classi ...

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