ARLINGTON – According to the urban dictionary, to be “fly” is to be cool, amazing and awesome. That’s high praise for the actors who will be flying all over the stage in Arlington High School’s version of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Shakespeare’s best comedy is reimagined in the early 20th century in the backdrop of an abandoned circus, where fairies cast mischievous spells on lovers, heroes and everyday people.

“We wanted to spruce it up a bit,” senior Jake Hurst said. “There’s aerial combat and lots of humor. The actions really tell the story.”

AHS Drama director Scott Moberly said they obtained special equipment that allow actors to fly, thanks to proceeds made from last spring’s sold-out musical, “Mamma Mia.”

“Gone are tights and the traditional Shakespeare formality. Come see fairies fly and do battle on stage as they carry out the plans of the gods on the foolish mortals, and leave wondering if it were all just a fantastic dream,” he said.

Retired AHS music teacher Jeff Swanson returned to create original music for the show. Performances will be Nov. 8-9 and 15-16 at 7 p.m. at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center at AHS, 18821 Crown Ridge Blvd. Tickets are $8 for students and seniors and $10 for adults.

Purchase tickets at byrnesperformingarts.org.