“All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players.” It's a quote you may have heard before, particularly those who are fond of theater. But the beginning of this monologue from William Shakespeare's "As You Like It" has become a popular turn of phrase, understood by many outside of the world of performing arts. It just goes to show good theater can live on for centuries and take on new meanings.

 It's a tradition the Hillcrest Theatre Department hopes to continue as they set to lift the curtain on an American debut nine-years in the making. Nearly a decade ago, Hillcrest theater teacher Joshua Long took a trip to London. While he was there, he spent the day at the Royal National Theater where he first set eyes on “The James Plays,” written by Rona Munro.