Building on 2011 performances, the outdoor theatre is part of the Queenstown Lakes District Council's Summerdaze festivities. There are eight shows, on January 27, 28 and 29.
Director Tiffany Menzies said while the "promenade theatre" previously featured Shakespeare, this year's gold-rush-themed event would certainly not be short of drama or quirky characters.
"It's something a bit different, focusing mainly on Arrowtown local identities from the 1850s and 1860s," Mrs Menzies said.
"It's funny and in some instances it's historically correct, other times not at all."
As promenade theatre, scenes from Greed, Glamour and Grudges will be performed in various areas of the Queenstown Gardens and even in a small tent.
Characters who will feature in the production include San Francisco racketeer and sea captain Bully Hayes, who later became an Arrowtown theatre player and publican, Thomas Arthur, who discovered gold at Arthurs Point and hotel founder Julia Eichardt.
Shakespeare will appear, in a "very funny" scene adapted from The Merchant of Venice , alongside comedic reimaginings of "familiar songs" and a mock court hearing.
Remarkables Theatre committee member Victoria Keating-Mackay said the production tied in with celebrating 150 years since the discovery of gold in the area.
It will be one of the first events celebrating Wakatipu gold rush heritage. The Lake Hayes Show this weekend starts a series of events culminating in Arrowtown's August spectacular.
Mrs Menzies said props and costumes were coming together, as were rehearsals, which start tomorrow.
The shows are free but gold coin donations were welcome.
