“Romeo, O Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” At Clinton High School that’s where. This coming Saturday, April 27, Clinton High’s Advanced Theatre Arts class will be presenting “Football Romeo,” a dinner theatre comedy.
Not exactly Shakespeare’s version, the updated play is set at Verona Beach High School where the new drama teacher wants to put on a production of “Romeo and Juliet.” Typical high school drama ensues when Nicola, who believes she is the perfect Juliet, is cast in the desired role but her football player boyfriend is not cast with her as Romeo. Instead, Danny, the geek, lands the part of Romeo and must overcome his own insecurities in order to keep his leading man role.
Clinton High drama teacher Natalie Pope chose this play, which was written by Lindsay Price and is produced by Theatrefolk, because “it has a small number of roles to fill, yet it is a funny, entertaining script that lends itself well to a dinner theatre.”
Bringing the play’s leading characters to life are senior Steven Williamson (Danny Dinning), junior Lillie Turlington (Nicola Calabretta), and junior Haley Parker (Laurel Stout). Other students cast in the play include Krista Lewis (Brittany), Tamara Murphy (April), Shekinah King (Agnes), Austin Bennett (Rick Sittler), and Shawn Moore (Murray Dinning).
“All in all there are about 30 students involved with the production including the performance, the behind the scenes work, and the dinner theatre service,” said Pope.
As much fun as the play is, Pope shared that her students are learning much more from the play than just lines and stage cues. Being involved in the play’s production is helping them develop important life skills and providing them with a creative outlet.
“Students who take high school theatre arts classes are generally more likely to do well in other subjects, as theatre classes help build communication skills, develop interpersonal relationships, and improve overall self-confidence,” explained Pope. “It is important that our community support these programs because theatre, along with other cultural arts courses, helps students maintain their interest in school. It gives them something to cling to and be good at when they may not be as enthusiastic about their other subjects.”
“Theatre most definitely helps students to form relationships outside of their comfort zones,” continued Pope. “Oddly enough, that is exactly the message of our production of ‘Football Romeo.’”
The play will be held at 6 p.m. at Clinton High School in the atrium, and dinner will be provided by Southern Style Chicken and BBQ.
Tickets are $12 and ticket sales end tomorrow, April 24. To purchase tickets, please call 910-592-2067, ext. 6263.
Lauren Williams can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 117 or via email at lwilliams@civitasmedia.com.
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