Knoxville Children’s Theatre will present 14 live performances of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. KCT’s version is a specially adapted, under two-hour version of the classic tragedy, geared for ages 12 and up.

The play will be performed Nov. 1-17: Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m.

Caesar has returned to Rome in triumph after a devastating civil war. However, a group of conspirators is disturbed by Caesar’s increasing power and ambition. To help their cause, they persuade Brutus, a good friend of Caesar and a man regarded through the city for his honesty and honor, that the welfare of Rome demands that Brutus conspire against his own friend. Brutus joins the conspiracy and set events in motion that will leave Rome in deadly peril.

The play is performed by 16 talented young actors, from ages 12 to 17. Charlotte Stark, a KCT intern and student director of this season’s Little Women, plays the title role.

KCT veteran performer Halle Boring, last seen as Mother Superior in KCT’s production of “Lilies of the Field,” plays Brutus. Austin Bishop will play the part of Mark Antony, and Elijah Payne portrays Caius Cassius.

Four actors are making their KCT debuts: Annabel Dattilo, Henry Lubke, LoRen Seagrove and Shania Watson. The rest of the cast includes many KCT veteran performers: Abby Cowan, Beth King, Ethan Elder, Joshua Howerton, Eric Magee, Lauren Norton, Lydia Pulsinelli and Maria Kauffman.

Dennis E. Perkins will direct the production. Carolyn Corley is the combat director. Braxxton Sommers, a freshman at West High, and homeschooled 9th grader Corbin Fram provide the scenery design. The show’s lighting designer is Alex Montgomery, a freshman at Grace Christian Academy, assisted by August King, a 6th grader at Bearden Middle.

Saiya Palmer, a sophomore at West, assisted by West Valley 6th grader Julia Lance, will complete the costume design. Conard Belitz, a freshman at Oak Ridge High is the Properties Master. Lauren Rymer, a West High senior, will stage manage the play.

Information as submitted by Knoxville Children’s Theatre.