The Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy will continue its season with a pop opera titled “Bare,” which details the lives of a group of high school seniors at a Catholic boarding school.

“‘Bare’ is a modern day Romeo and Juliet story set in a Catholic boarding school where the all-American boy, basketball captain, valedictorian-to-be who is headed to Notre Dame has fallen for a boy in the theater department,” said director Ryan McCoy. “As the show progresses, we see how the structures around them including family, friends, the church, and their own fears prevent them from baring their truth to the world around them like the star crossed lovers in Shakespeare’s tragedy.”

McCoy shared his excitement about working with actors from all around the Topeka community to collaborate on this show.

“This ensemble is incredibly strong and driven to bring audiences a heartfelt and strong performance,” McCoy said. “The biggest challenge of this show and all shows is remaining true to the moment. The show addresses teenage pregnancy, coming out, pressures of high school and relationships of all types. Most who see this show will see themselves in this story and we have to respect that and play this truth in a respectful and honest way.”

Due to its subject matter and a short run on Broadway, “‘Bare’ is a show you won’t see performed [often],” McCoy said. “But this show has great music, humor and drama, all of which appeals to a younger audience. It was written for us at a time that it was needed.”

McCoy also mentioned that audiences will enjoy the pop opera’s soundtrack.

The production will star Ryan Brokke as Jason, Corbin Eakes as Peter, Kaity Martin as Ivy, Alisha Bolz as Nadia and Keegan Cole as Matt.

The production opens Friday, June 12 and runs June 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 and 28. All show times are 8 p.m. except for Sunday shows which begin at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door or online. For more information, visit http://www.topekacivictheatre.com or call 785-357-5211.