/Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_kcbzzq5523o2ol2atp3r5snd_7a6a2df6-080c-4a2b-b6da-c5ce474bd9e3_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 24 May 2013 21:05:24 GMT 15 By Adam Nelson
The Revere Players will perform two one-act productions including both traditional and parody versions of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to appeal to a bigger audience. The first act includes Lindsay Price’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet . Although the first act is a condensed version of the play, it stays true to the original story and language of William Shakespeare. The second act, however, is a parody, written by Allison Williams, entitled Drop Dead, Juliet . Hillcrest teacher Rena Baker is directing both productions and Bath librarian Laurie Russell is the assistant director. Baker explained that she and Russell chose two productions because they wanted to present both classical and comedic performances. “We decided to do the two separate versions of the play because of conflicting desires to present another classic and perform a physical comedy. This solution allows us to do both and yet keep the total performance time reasonable,” Baker said. Senior Nick Seemann, who plays Romeo in both acts, explained that each one-act production will present their audience with different genres of entertainment. “I didn’t know what to expect at first, but I like script. The [first act] is Romeo and Juliet just with a few scenes taken out, and the [second act] has some pretty funny moments that I hope will have the audience laughing,” Seemann said. Baker acknowledged that, although Drop Dead, Juliet parodies Romeo and Juliet, the two one-act productions differ in many ways. “There are very few similarities between the two plays. The things that are the same are many of the lines, but they are not used in the same way, and often not by the original character. The characters are different. William Shakespeare himself is a main character in Drop Dead, Juliet . Physical humor is used frequently in this play as well. It is truly an irreverent and blatant comedy,” Baker said. Baker explained that the production’s artistic team hired Professional Fight Director John Davis to train the actors in the art of stage combat. “One of the unique aspects of this production is the use of stage fighting choreography. We have very realistic sword play in Romeo and Juliet, and it is worth coming to see for that alone. John Davis has done an amazing job with fight choreography, making the passion and danger of the conflicts seem very real,” Baker said. Set Designer Robert Pierson collaborates with students to recreate the world of Verona, Italy during the Renaissance period. Pierson strongly encourages students to become involved in set production. “It’s nice to be a part of [set production]. You could be sitting there saying to people, ‘I helped build that tree’ or ‘I helped make that window’,” Pierson said. Baker acknowledged that between the two acts the production will entertain a wide variety of people. “There truly is something for everyone in this production—wonderful music, amazing sets, romance, passion, fighting, dancing and comedy,” Baker said. The first performance will take place on November 4th at 10:00am for senior citizens. Public performances will take place November 5th and November 6th at 7:00pm and November 7th at 2:00pm. The Revere Players will sell presale tickets November 1st through the 5th during student lunch periods. Presale tickets will cost $5 for Revere students and senior citizens and $7 for all other guests. Guest tickets will cost $8 at the door. (Additional reporting for this article was done by Samantha Matusik.) ]]> Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:54:19 GMT