Alliance for the Arts Presents Dreamland: A Sci-Fi Twist on Shakespeare in Fort Myers

High school drama meets something extraterrestrial in Dreamland, the latest product from the Youth Theatre at the Alliance for the Arts. This production is anything but your typical spring musical. 

Running from Thursday, April 30, through Sunday, May 3, Dreamland is reimagined as A Midsummer Night’s Dream with a retro sci-fi twist where audiences drop into a world of choirs, teenage romance, and aliens collide at Area 51. 

Set in a timeline that doesn’t define past and present, the story begins as a group of high school honor students is granted access to a secret military base just days before its declassification. What follows is a fast-paced spiral into comedic confusion, as the students become entangled in a cosmic love quadrangle. Science nerds and aspiring pilots navigate emotions and gravity, glittery aliens stir up mischief, and a fiercely competitive show choir steps in as the modern-day “mechanicals.” 

Written by Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen, the musical blends contemporary theater pop with smooth 1950s-inspired sounds. Originally commissioned to highlight high school performers, the show leans into ensemble storytelling, giving young actors space to shine. 

At the helm is Youth Theatre Director Carmen Crussard, who has led the program since its launch in 2012. Over the years, Crussard has produced more than 40 shows and mentored hundreds of students across Florida. For her, Dreamland is more than a performance; it’s an opportunity to introduce audiences to something unexpected. 

“We chose Dreamland because it is a brilliant ode to Shakespeare,” said Crussard in a statement. “The modern spin proves how timeless these themes really are. It’s fun, it’s energetic, and it gives our community a chance to experience something entirely new.” 

The production features a diverse cast of students from across Lee County, including performers from Cypress Lake High, North Fort Myers High, Oasis High, and other local schools and programs. From lead roles to technical crew, the show highlights the depth of young talent in the region. 

Performances will take place April 30, May 1, and May 2 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on May 3 at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $20 for general admission and $15 for students and children. 

For those looking for a theatrical experience that blends humor, heart, and a touch of the unknown, Dreamland offers a lively escape.

Ava McDonnell

Ava McDonnell is the Digital Content Creator/Editorial Manager for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine while also earning her bachelor's degree in English at the University of Central Florida. Her work has been featured in UCF's The Charge and Her Campus UCF. She also has experience in editing using AP Style and SEO guidelines. Located in Clermont, Ava has always had a passion for learning about people's lives and sharing accurate stories with the world. She is dedicated to getting the job done right while making content interesting for readers. Aside from writing, you can find her indulging in the great outdoors with the people she loves. Whether it is hiking, taking photographs, or trying new activities, she is up for almost anything.

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