For many years, the freshman English classes have read the well-known Shakespearean play, Romeo and Juliet. Not only did they dissect and interpret Shakespeare’s words in class, but they’ve also been able to go and watch the play in person. Thanks to the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company and their Student Matinees – which are daytime theatrical performances specifically designed and affordable for students and school groups to enjoy – the freshman class was able to enjoy the magic of Shakespeare.
Both A and B days were going on the trip on their assigned day, this year being April 7th and 8th. However, there were unfortunate circumstances for the A Day group because at the last minute at 7:55 a.m. during first period, Ms. Rizer received a call from the company saying that the actor playing the character of Tybalt was sick, as well as his understudy. The show and trip overall were cancelled for April 7th, and, at the time, was left to be determined for April 8th.
Thankfully, arrangements were made at the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, and the actor playing the character Lord Montague (Romeo’s father) learned the role of Tybalt in 24 hours to keep productions going. This also led to Lady Montague’s character filling both roles of parental figures to Romeo in the play. You can tell how committed these actors are to the play by making such huge alterations in a short amount of time.
Unsurprisingly, the show went great! Ms. Rizer, Mrs. Majewski, Mrs. Walter, and Mrs. Miller always love going to the play and watching their students’ reactions when they see the little book they read back at Fallston come to life on stage. Ms. Rizer mentions how Romeo and Juliet is “a difficult play to follow because of early modern English,” but the opportunity “for students to be able to go see a professional production of one of the most famous plays ever written is a really incredible experience.”
It sure was an incredible experience for students! Freshman Teagan Sanza says that she “loved it all” and that the “actors were all so unique and did a great job.” She had a specifically memorable moment as she was able to have a “full-on conversation with Juliet off stage,” which is a memory she will carry forever.
Finley Gainey, another freshman who went on the trip, said how her favorite part of the play was Mercutio’s Queen Mab speech, which she also enjoyed reading in class; so, seeing it come to life was very memorable for her.
Despite the behind-the-scenes mania that happened over at the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, their last-minute hard work really paid off for the time our freshman English classes had. So, if you’re an incoming freshman, here’s one of the many great opportunities to look forward to in high school!
