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Ken Ludwig's Shakespeare in Hollywood
Ken Ludwig
Ken Ludwig's Midsummer/Jersey
by Ken Ludwig
Highlights
Synopsis
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.
Press Reviews
"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
Characters
| Character |
|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 specialistTHE 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. |
| Titania'S Faries: |
| The Real World Characters |
Videos
Meet The Playwright: Ken Ludwig
Publication
Ken Ludwig's Midsummer/Jersey is a comedy play written by Ken Ludwig and published by Samuel French .
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Performance Rights
Available for Licensing
Amateur Only
Fee: Minimum Fee: $130 per performance
Restrictions: Major Markets Plus (US) / Standard Plus Add'l Postcodes (UK)
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