The island of Illyria is the setting for William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” being performed by Salisbury High School Theatre 7 p.m. Nov. 10 through 12 and 3 p.m. Nov. 13.

“Twelfth Night” is a comedy which includes a shipwreck, romance, mistaken identity, a fight scene, celebrations and more.

The play is directed by Will Windsor Erwin.

“I chose this show because of the flexible casting. It’s great. We have a cast of 19,” Erwin said.

“Shakespeare is wonderful because we have a very unique space here so the set doesn’t change often. When it does, it is very little things – lighting or a door will come out.”

Erwin said the show is set in the 1960s on an island. He envisioned music with minstrels singing folk songs to help with transition. It is three story lines put together.

This is the first Shakespeare production Erwin has done at the school where the dialogue has not been changed so it has been a huge challenge for the students.

“My mission statement is to challenge and improve. They have taken the challenge and risen to the occasion,” Erwin said.

Cast members include Jessette Long as Viola/Cesario, David Eckhart as Sebastian, Joey Robert as Duke Orsino, Scheccid Alayola as Valentine/Minstrel, Sophie Ravenelle as Minstrel, Margaux Petruska as Minstrel, Angela Harrison as Curio, Leandra Roelker as Olivia, Emily Lamana as Feste The Fool, William Perkins as Malvolio, Sara Lamana as Maria, Ziahnnah McKenzie as Toby Belch, Reilly Yankovich as Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Jack Kubinec as Fabian, Zakk Stringer as Antonio, Owen Mendes as Captain/Priest and Raven Achey, Kristie Alvarado and Melanie Sepulveda as Officers/Servants.

Long is a senior at SHS and this is her seventh production.

“This was one of the hardest scripts for me to learn. It took double the time because we had to figure out what we were saying and how to say it,” Long said. “It is a fantastic show. I think people sometimes have a fear of Shakespeare; I think we do a great job of making it come to life and telling it in a way you will enjoy it.”

Robert says the cast is an amazing group.

“There are a lot of new people – people we haven’t worked with in the past. They are all trying their hardest and have been putting a lot of emotion into it. It has been really awesome to see everyone working together,” Robert said.

McKenzie, a senior, plays the character of Toby Belch who was originally a man.

“We transformed the part to a woman.” McKenzie said it was a very difficult part to play. She has a lot more lines than in the previous production she was in so it was a big jump – one she was willing to make.

Sara Lamana plays the part of Maria.

“The show is very exciting and about friendship and learning how to get along with each other. There are many stories - there are a lot of pranks,” Sarah Lamara said.

The community will fall in love with the show just like we did. We are excited.”

Olivia King, a 2016 SHS graduate returned to do set design for “Twelfth Night.” Stage managers are Abby Leonardo and Hanna Martin. The technical director is Chris West and the production assistant is Cherie Pennella.

Tickets are still available by calling 610-797-4107, ext. 2508.