NO SHAKESPEARE ALLOWED

A teen-age girl and her father lock horns over her reluctance to follow in his theatrical footsteps. When Portia's father announces that once again he has assigned her a part in their town's annual Shakespeare Festival--which he directs--Portia puts her foot down. Her father brushes; off her refusal: after all, his whole life, as well as that of her mother, has been the theater, and he can't believe his daughter would throw away her natural talent for acting. But Portia envisions a different future for herself--one that includes things like chemistry and computer camp--and so cooks up a rebellion that touches off a family cold war. In the end, both she and her father learn something about the fine art of compromise, growing closer in the process. Although a bit contrived at times, the story is nicely told and generously laced with Shakespeare trivia. First-time author Jones, who has worked as a theater technician in real life, gives an accurate, interesting look at the behind-the-scenes world of actors and the stage.