Wasilla High School drama presents 'Romeo and Juliet'

“Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene.” The opening lines of William Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ foreshadow the tragedy’s title teens: that these two star-crossed lovers are doomed as the play, a tale of anger and a familial grudge, will lead Romeo and Juliet to a terrible fate.

Yes, amid a bloody feud and dual suicides, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ endures as one of the great, classic love stories, and has been retold... Now Wasilla High School (WHS) Drama is preparing for their upcoming production Shakespeare, Clearly: Romeo and Juliet.

“This production has been a new and complex challenge for the students as actors and as a director. Shakespeare's writing can be difficult for students to connect and sympathize with, and that has been our largest obstacle,” said WHS Drama Teacher Sarah Cardoza.

While the traditional retelling of Shakespeare’s most famous work can present challenges linguistically, WHS is utilizing Shakespeare, Clearly’s straightforward adaptation, mixing contemporary and classical language, putting an emphasis on story and character rather than the poetry.

“Once students take a moment to actually understand what their lines are purposed to mean, they are able to deliver them meaningful conviction,” Cardoza says, adding that while the language does not come naturally, the students are stepping up to the challenge. “They are absolutely fantastic. They are committed, hardworking, creative, and know how to have fun.”

The upcoming production marks a recent increased interest in drama, as explained by Taylor Mead.

“I feel like a lot people have started to rekindle relationships (with drama), and it’s becoming a lot more of a positive atmosphere,” she says, explaining that drama has always been a positive environment, but there is more of a camaraderie that has been built. “It’s really nice to see younger cast mates come in and flourish with the upperclassmen who will be leaving. It’s really nice seeing everyone really enjoying the experience.” Read plays Prince Escalus, the ruler of Verona, striving to maintain order within the feud between the Montague and Capulet families.

“These students find community, comfort, confidence, public speaking skills, problem solving skills, and have a space to truly be themselves. This is so important for our youth as they prepare for future endeavors, whether that is continuing education or careers. We are so fortunate to have such a valuable and artistic class available for students at WHS,” says Cardoza.

“This is my fourth play, and I am really enjoying this,” Read, a junior at WHS, says of her experience.

Backstage, the enthusiasm for the upcoming performances could be seen and heard by the cast, a mix of upper and underclassmen.

“I started drama because everyone said it is so fun, and it turned out to be really fun” said junior Kash Gagnon, taking on the role of Paris, the advantageous match for Juliet as arranged by her parents.

“I’m super excited to do this drama,” said Serenity Rust, who plays the complex character, Tybalt, Juliet's short-tempered first cousin, and Romeo's rival.

“I like that it’s old-fashioned, that it’s a classic while so many others are modern,” said sophomore James Miller, who is playing Abram, a servant of the Montague household, and later an officer.

“This is the best class to teach, and I find it such a privilege to lead them on their journey in Drama.” Cardoza

The play opens this week, and will have four shows:

Thursday, April 10 at 9 a.m., Friday, April 11 also at 9 a.m., with a second show that night at 7 p.m., and a final show on Saturday, April 12 at 7 p.m.

WHS “Shakespeare, Clearly: Romeo and Juliet” cast list:

Romeo: Logan Jacobson*; Juliet: Makaylah James; Benvolio: River Allen; Mercutio: Jordan Ostop; Nurse: Kinley Mcghan; Friar Lawrence: Oriana Williams; Lord Capulet: Eva Williamson; Lady Capulet: Zoey Simono; Prince Escalus: Taylor Mead; Paris: Kash Gagnon; Tybalt: Serenity Rust; Lord Montague: Annabelle Weys; Lady Montague: Raina Drabeck*; Peter/Gregory/Apothecary: Faithlyn Morin; Samson/Servant/Serving woman/Friar John: Adelle Adams; Balthasar: Juliana Espenschied; Abraham/officer: James Henry Miller

* Indicates seniors