The CAST performing arts program at Julian Middle School will present three powerful and compelling plays during its festival of theater December 10-13.

The plays are Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” presented December 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m.; “Brontes: Eccentric Lives,” presented December 12 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and “Number the Stars,” presented December 13 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

CAST is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. All three shows continue with this season’s theme of “Sisters.”

Tickets may be purchased in advance through the CAST website, www.op97.org/CAST, or at the door. For more information, please contact Kathy Simon at 708-524-7848 or at ksimon@op97.org.

“As You Like It” follows the heroine Rosalind, accompanied by her cousin Celia, as she flees persecution in her uncle’s court. Disguised as brother and sister, they cross paths with many memorable characters whom they never could have met at home.

“Brontes: Eccentric Lives” portrays the extraordinary lives of accomplished authors Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte. The audience will journey to the mysterious world of Haworth parsonage on the Yorkshire moors, where the young women’s family life with a tyrannical father and morally impaired brother inspire the fictional characters they create. Actual letters, poetry and selections from their printed works are used to show that the women’s own story is much stranger than anything they would write.

“Number the Stars” takes place during the German occupation of Denmark during World War II. Annemarie Johansen and her sister Kirstin endure soldiers, interrogations, menacing dogs, personal dangers and loss as they try to help their friend Ellen Rosen escape to safety. The drama, pathos, adventure, terror and humor that made “Number the Stars” a best seller and Newberry Award winner come to life in this compelling adaptation.

Julian Middle School is located at 416 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Oak Park.