Logo courtesy of Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts will bring a 1960s twist to William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “Twelfth Night,” featuring live Beatles music performed by students during five performances in November.

The academy’s drama department will present the production Nov. 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage behind the school. Proceeds from ticket sales will support the department’s theater program and its efforts to secure a permanent performance facility.

Drama teacher and arts director Matthew DeMeritt will direct the production, with MCAA senior Nicole Podolskaya serving as assistant director.

The adaptation moves Shakespeare’s comedy into the 1960s, incorporating the music and cultural influences of the era. A student singing ensemble, The Bards, will perform Beatles songs throughout the production, including “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “She Loves You” and “All You Need Is Love.”

The story follows Viola, a young woman who survives a shipwreck and disguises herself as a man while navigating an unfamiliar land. Her disguise leads to a complicated love triangle involving a duke and a countess, creating a series of mistaken identities, romantic misunderstandings and comedic situations.

Students will participate in acting, musical performances, technical production and design. Podolskaya’s role as assistant director also provides an opportunity for student leadership behind the scenes.

The performances will serve as a fundraiser for the drama department, which has operated without a dedicated indoor theater for approximately a decade.

Despite the lack of a permanent performance space, the department has continued producing theatrical performances while providing students with opportunities to develop skills in acting, stage production and technical theater.

The school hopes to establish a permanent performance facility to support its theater program and provide additional opportunities for students.

Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts serves students in grades seven through 12 within the Marysville Joint Unified School District.

General admission tickets cost $10. Admission for students, seniors, military personnel and children costs $6. Tickets are available online at https://gofan.co/app/school/CA87468.

All performances will take place outdoors. Organizers recommend that audience members dress warmly and bring blankets for the November evening performances.