From the first American production of an epic war play to a tale told with fog, gun shots and strobe lights, high school students in Canyons District are hard at work to bring a variety of stellar performances to the stage this spring. You don’t have to travel all the way to New York City to experience the magic of the theater, just head down the street to your closest high school and see one of these timeless plays:

“Dunsinane”
Originally premiered by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre of Scotland in 2010, David Grieg’s sequel to Macbeth will experience its first all-American production this spring at Hillcrest High School. The play has been performed in the United States, but it was a touring production by the National Theatre of Scotland. Written in modern vernacular, it starts right where Shakespeare left off as a British idealist invades Scotland with his army of young men to establish peace in a foreign country. Peace, however, is not as easy to create as they expect. With a cast of over 120 actors portraying male and female warriors, this modern epic with surprising twists will be performed with a company of students from throughout the school, with a thoughtful exploration of the idea of peace in the modern era. Tickets are $10, though sometimes discounted tickets are available in advance on the school’s website.
When: March 16, 17, 19
Where: Hillcrest High School

“Macbeth”
This classic tale from Shakespeare tells the story of choice and consequence. It chronicles the tale of Macbeth, a Scottish Lord overcome with ambition. He kills the king and takes his place, only to find himself sick with paranoia about maintaining his position. Because of the mature themes of the play, only those age 10 and above are invited to attend. The performance will allow the audience to sit on stage with the performers in the style of a black box theatre. Time period and gender roles are removed to give new perspective to the story, which will be told with fog, gun shots, sword fighting, strobe lights, live sound effects and lots of fun. Tickets are $9.
When: Feb. 21-24 at 7 p.m.
Where: Alta High school auditorium

“The Comedy of Errors”
This Shakespearean play tells the story of Antipholus and his servant, Dromio, who go looking for their long-lost twins, from whom they were accidentally separated at birth. When the pair ends up in the same town as their siblings without knowing it, suddenly everyone is seeing double in this fast-paced comedy of mistaken identity, which ends with the happiest of family reunions. Tickets are $5.
When: Feb 22-24 and 26 at 7 p.m.
Where: Jordan High School

“The Crucible”
“The Crucible” is Arthur Miller’s masterful retelling of the witch trials in Salem Massachusetts. This chilling and poignant story is as relatable and relevant today as it was in 1693 when it occurred and in 1953 when it was written by Miller. All are invited to enjoy this unique and intimate production of this timeless tale. Tickets are $9 for adults and $4 for students and children.
When: March 9, 10, 12 at 7 p.m.
Where: Brighton High Auditorium 

“Dr. Faustus”
“Dr. Faustus” is the story of a man who sells his soul to the devil in order to get whatever he wants. Viewers of this play may be inspired to ask themselves, how far would you go to achieve greatness? The performance will also include a presentation of individual pieces used in competition, including monologues, scenes, songs and pantomimes. Tickets are $5.
When: March 16-17 at 7 p.m.
Where: Corner Canyon Little Theatre

“The Beautiful Game”
This rarely performed musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber will have its Utah high school premiere this spring at Hillcrest High. The musical sets rioting in 1970 in Ireland against a backdrop of a high school soccer team, telling a tale that’s part West Side Story, part Newsies. With soaring ballads, an intense narrative and incredible choreography, the performance will feature an incredible evening of dance, soccer, and the fight for a world without violence. Tickets are $10, though sometimes discounted tickets are available in advance on the school’s website.
When: May 17-19
Where: Hillcrest High School