Since its debut at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre’s PlayFest in early 2009, β€œThe Chimes” has been called one of the area’s Top 20 can’t-miss cultural events this fall.

The play, written by Central Florida native Kevin Christopher Snipes, tells the story of four teenage boys at a New England boarding school on the eve of World War II. They are brought together by their love of Shakespeare and torn apart by the impending war.

β€œThe Chimes” opens this week as a full-scale production with many of last year’s cast members. The play, in the Black Box Theatre on ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s Orlando campus, runs from Thursday, Sept. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 10.

β€œβ€™The Chimes’ rings out to remind us that unless a stand is taken, ignorance and hatred can rule not only an institution of higher education, but an entire civilization,” said director David Lee, an assistant professor of Theatre at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½.

The cast combines the talents of several ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Theatre students with three professional actors: Mark Brotherton, a ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Theatre faculty member, Bob Dolan and noted film actor Tom Nowicki. Please note that this show includes adult themes and brief nudity.

Performances ofΒ  β€œThe Chimes” will be Thursdays through Saturdays from Sept. 23 until Oct. 9. A Sunday matinee performance will be Oct. 10.

All shows begin at 8 p.m., except for the Sunday matinee, which will start at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students with their ID. Reservations are recommended and available through the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Conservatory Theatre box office at 407-823-1500. Group rates are available. The box office can assist with accommodations for patrons with disabilities.

Read more about the production on Snipes’ and visit the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Conservatory Theatre to see listings for the rest of the 2010-11 season.