Featuring romance, comedy, swordplay, magic and a level of love-inspired language that only Shakespeare could convey, this week the College of the Canyons theatre department will open its production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) at College of the Canyons.

“‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is a feast for the eyes and the ears. This is one of Shakespeare’s most accessible plays, and our interpretation will be appropriate for all ages,” said Paul Wickline, chair of the college’s theatre department.

The theater department describes the play as deliciously dark and entertaining that will present an intoxicating blend of mortals, mechanicals and faeries — all thrown together in one place at one time.

With a plotline resembling a modern day soap opera or reality dating show, along with a cast of some of Shakespeare’s most popular characters, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” has been hailed for centuries as one of the world’s greatest romantic comedies.

The performance will run:

• 8 p.m. Friday, May 21
• 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, May 22
• 2 p.m. Sunday, May 23

All performances will be held on the PAC main stage. General admission is $10 or $5 for COC students and seniors.

To purchase tickets call the PAC box office at (661) 362-5304 or visit www.canyonsPAC.com.