Coeur d’Alene High School is bringing the world of Elizabethan England to the stage this week with a production of "Shakespeare in Love," based on the 1998 film starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes.

“This script hasn’t really been done in the area, and it’s a little bit difficult and has many challenging aspects,” said director Jared Helm. “I really get amazed by how professional students can be when you challenge them and encourage them to bring their best self to light.”

Evelyn Ray stars as Viola, who longs to become an actress, although women were not allowed to perform on stage in 16th-century England. To pursue her dreams, Viola disguises herself as a man and auditions for William Shakespeare’s latest play.

“She rebels against society by becoming the first woman on stage,” Ray said. “She’s a rebel in so many ways, and I love playing her because I am so passionate about theatre.”

Shakespeare wrestles with writer’s block while under pressure to produce a new script until he meets Viola. The two fall in love, and their doomed romance inspires Shakespeare to write Romeo and Juliet.

“He overcomes his writer's block while finding the love of his life,” said True Watkins, who plays Shakespeare. “But he has again lied to her, and that ultimately leads to them being separated, but that’s where his true growth comes in.”

Watkins and Ray are both seniors with prior acting experience under their belts. However, they said these roles offer new opportunities.

“This is the biggest role I’ve ever had and I’m really having fun with it,” said Watkins. “I like going through Will’s growth as a man. Over the course of the show, he starts to make amends and finally starts telling the truth.”

According to Helm, audiences can expect immersive set design, elegant costumes and elaborate choreography. He was impressed by how quickly students memorized their lines and by the professional-quality work of student designers.

“The student designers have really done such a beautiful job,” Helm said. “It really shows their passion.”

"Shakespeare in Love" will be performed Oct. 22-24 and Oct. 29-31 at 7 p.m. in the Coeur d’Alene High School Theatre. Tickets range from $12 to $16.20 and are available online at https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/CHSTheatre/6511.

    Harrison Gabbert and Morgan Cummings rehearse dance choreography for Coeur d'Alene High School's production of Shakespeare in Love.
  

    Evelyn Ray and Savannah Ward rehearse a scene from Shakespeare in Love at Coeur d'Alene High School.
  

    True Watkins as Shakespeare and Henry Ringger as Marlowe in a rehearsal of Coeur d'Alene High School's production of Shakespeare in Love.