Posted by Sudbury Northern Life
Lockerby Composite School students will present the play Romeo, You Idiot, a comedic spoof of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, with a twist.
The production presents the lovers as modern day teens, who come up with unique perspectives and solutions to their problems. It is a production the whole family can enjoy and includes a lot of action and laughs along the way, according to a press release.
"Lockerby Composite School is well-known for its Science Technology Education Program (STEP) for students contemplating a career in medicine, science, health care, business, computer science or engineering," says Heather Gaffney, principal.
"With our blossoming drama program, students also have the opportunity to excel in the arts. This play is the first large-scale production Lockerby has done in a few years."
Drama teacher and director Ashley-Paige Fraser, a theatre graduate from the University of Guelph who minored in genetic biology, says that art complements science.
"True science comes from creative thought - the desire to know the truth about the physical world around you. Art does the same thing with the emotional world.
"Theatre helps us to understand our life experiences," she continues. "By studying human behaviour, teenagers learn they're not alone, that everybody goes through certain experiences in life and we can all learn from each other."
The students agree.
"I usually don't like parodies but this one is awesome because it relates to today's teenagers and the relationships they deal with in a modern way," says Garrett Carr, who plays Montague in the play.
Student actor Emily Hirtle said she is also enjoying the experience. "I am learning how not to be shy on stage and express myself more," she says. "I am gaining advice that I can take with me into the future."
"You'll recognize the classic tale, but it's much more of a spoof, definitely a lot more laughs," says Cody Sobeys, who performs the role of Romeo.
"There's a few twists and turns in the plot, but the fight scenes have been left intact," adds Kieran Larin. "It's been really fun to choreograph them and learn how to fight on stage without actually hurting anyone."
Public performances will be held March 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. in the school's auditorium. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children, students and seniors. Tickets for the matinées, on March 25 and 26 at 11:30 a.m. are $3 for students and no charge for teachers.
Tickets are available at the Lockerby Composite School office, 1391 Ramsey View Court, or by phoning 522-1750.
For more information and to reserve seating, contact Ashley Fraser at [email protected] .
