‘Romeo and Juliet’ opens Monday at Su Valley

TALKEETNA — All are invited to attend the Susitna Valley Jr./Sr. High School drama presentation of “Romeo and Juliet.”

Performances are at 7 p.m., Nov. 25, 26 and 27 at the school, Mile 98.7, Parks Highway.

The performance includes many of the same elements of Shakespeare’s historic “Romeo and Juliet,” but with a modern rock ’n’ roll twist. The setting is 1991 at Verona High School in Seattle, Wash. This is the setting of the feud between the Capulets and Montagues. The characters in this major rock bank rivalry represent a postmodern artist: Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Banksy and Coco Chanel all make appearances.

This is the school’s first drama class and play since the old Su Valley school burned in 2007, taking all the costumes and props the drama department had accumulated over the years. Now the school, staff and students are re-established and can devote the effort needed to produce a quality performance.

That effort includes students in the drama class taught by Katheleen Trump, and students in the art and ideas class taught by Jennifer Keenan, as well as community members who volunteer as directors, musicians and actors. Students have been practicing since September planning, creating script, learning their roles and setting up special effects such as lights and music. The arts and ideas class made all the costumes, props and sets for the production with generous donations from the community.

Susitna Valley High welcomes all to come and enjoy the performance. Tickets are $5 with refreshments for sale during intermission (benefitting the Academic Decathlon team).

Michael Kinsey is a senior at Susitna Valley Jr./Sr. High School.