A Lehigh Valley youth theater will showcase its top students with a Shakespeare production and a local playwright is debuting an original piece of restorative theater.

Pennsylvania Youth Theatre will stage “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Feb. 14 and 15, Charles A. Brown Ice House, Bethlehem.

“Magic,” an original play written by Kiyaana Cox-Jones, premieres Feb. 20 - 22, Touchstone Theatre, Bethlehem.

Cox-Jones’ “Magic” celebrates women of color “on a journey through resilience, remembrance and rediscovery.”

The play tells the story of Magic, a young girl who wakes up from an accident with no memory of who she is or the extraordinary gifts she’s forgotten.

Determined to find her voice and reclaim her power, Magic embarks on a journey through history. She encounters remarkable women who have shaped the world with their courage and wisdom, helping her rediscover her true self.

“This work is about igniting connection, healing and empowerment, and will leave you questioning the true magic within us all,” Cox-Jones says.

According to Cox-Jones, “Magic” explores “complex and multifaceted themes, including racism, sexism, mental health, personal identity, manipulation and the enduring impact of life’s challenges.”

She says the play serves as “a space for healing, reflection and growth.” Resources will be made available for those who wish to process their experiences in a safe and compassionate environment.

After the Feb. 20 performance, there’s a 30-minute talk-back with Cox-Jones, the cast and Ebonie L. Cunningham Stringer, associate professor at The Pennsylvania State University who teaches criminal justice.

Cox-Jones is a new part-time faculty member in the Touchstone Moravian University masters of fine arts program, teaching culture and identity. Jones is a certified restorative practitioner, who practices interactive restorative healing theater.

The show is recommended for ages 13 and older for conversations about racism, sexism and violence.

“Magic,” 8 p.m. Feb. 20, 21, 22; 2 p.m. Feb. 23, Touchstone Theatre, 321 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem. 484-767-2456; http://www.touchstone.org/

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is being presented by PYT’s senior conservatory, the most advanced training program for PYT’s young performers. The senior conservatory explores drama skills through engagement in improvisation, story development, vocal work, physical theater and character study.

Students work with theater techniques and styles such as Shakespeare, Method, Meisner, directing concepts and writing skills.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, believed to have been written around 1595.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” 7 p.m. Feb. 14; 2 p.m. Feb. 15, Pennsylvania Youth Theatre, Charles A. Brown Ice House, 56 River St., Bethlehem. 610-332-1400, https://123pyt.org/

Auditions: Star of the Day Event Productions announces auditions for its production of “Seussical the Musical,” 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Feb. 13, for ages 18 and older; and 2 - 4 p.m. Feb. 15, for ages 8-17, St. John’s United Church of Christ, 139 N. Fourth St., Emmaus. Callbacks are by invitation, 4:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at St. John’s.

“Seussical the Musical” will be presented May 9 - 15 at St. John’s. The musical’s creative team includes director Parker Ryan, music director Phillip Wallens, choreographer Kirsten Almeida and stage manager Marissa Brewer.

Adults should prepare 16 to 32 bars of a comedic musical theater song. No music by Stephen Sondheim and no a cappella singing. The music must be printed in the correct key and should be memorized. An accompanist will be provided.

Children should prepare their choice of songs provided on the audition page: www.StaroftheDay.org/auditions.html

Music should be memorized. Accompaniment is provided. No tracks allowed.

Those auditioning should bring comfortable shoes and clothes for a movement call following the vocal audition.

Audition form: www.StaroftheDay.org/auditions.html

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com