There Never Was a Story of More Woe

From Sept. 30 to Oct. 3, Champion’s theatre department will be performing William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in the CHS auditorium. The production will have two casts this time: a Navy and White cast. The Navy cast will perform Sept. 29, Oct. 1, and Oct. 2. The White cast will perform Sept. 3o, Oct. 2, and Oct. 3. Two casts helps avoid overworking the actors and offers some variety in the performances.

“Luckily, because I’m in ensemble, I don’t have as much of a burden as everyone else,” said senior Jackie Nevarez. “As you can imagine, I don’t think Shakespeare is the easiest to memorize—but for me, it just hasn’t been too demanding.”

The tragedy is about two star-crossed lovers who are separated by their houses’ differences. The play follows the characters Juliet Capulet, Romeo Montague, and their families’ conflict. Romeo and Juliet fall in love “even though there are so many obstacles with the families and their differences—and by the end of the play, [Romeo] ends up making a decision that will affect him forever,” said sophomore Fielder Scott, who is Romeo in the white cast.

The play, intended to capture the 17th century audience with a street fight, is highlighted by the theatre’s use of actual metal swords.

“I loved it, all of it. I loved the end, even though it’s so sad and tragic, just love and romance, it hits me different,” said sophomore Sophia Avants. “My favorite part was definitely the acting, it was crazy how amazing they did, for the opening night. For a high school play in general, they did amazing.”

The production required weeks of preparation that began on September 6th. The technical crews have been working on building the set for five weeks, and the cast often spends hours after school rehearsing.

“I love theatre because of the people in the theatre program, they’re so nice,” said sophomore Colin Skelly, who plays Peter in Romeo and Juliet. “Just putting on a performance for the audience, that’s great for me.”

There will be six performances:
Wednesday Sept. 29 – 7pm
Sept. 30 7pm
Oct. 1 – 7pm
Oct. 2 – 2pm & 7pm
Oct. 3 – 3pm

Tickets are available at https://www.vancoevents.com/us/events/landing?eid=10519&.