New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
New Bedford High School Drama Club proudly presents its production of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” with performances on Friday and Saturday, December 1 and 2 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m., Bronspiegel Auditorium, New Bedford High School, 230 Hathaway Boulevard.
This classic play, arguably Shakespeare’s most famous, continues to resonate in popular culture. The rivalry between the Houses of Capulet and Montague, the fervor of the clashes between the two families, and the tale of ardent love at-first-sight is remains as poignant and engaging today as it was five hundred years ago – one of the greatest love stories of all time.
Sarah Cadieux Pacheco, the NBHS Theatre Teacher and Drama Club Co-Director, explains the ideas behind this production. “Our inspiration in tackling such a well-known piece has been to not only modernize, but to put our own spin on the presentation – much like a contemporary artist does with a cover song. Audience members will notice cover songs of well-known music interspersed throughout the show.”
A question that comes up often when you think of Romeo and Juliet: Is it a story of star-crossed lovers as it is most often portrayed, or is it a cautionary tale? Says Caitlyn Hodges, “I feel as if it’s a love story, because they’re so deeply in love that they decide they can’t live without each other… it may be insane, but insanity is love.” Caitlyn plays the Apothecary.
Sara Cravo, Lady Montague, however, has a differing opinion. “I think [Romeo and Juliet] is a tragedy, because it’s the story of two families who can’t get along… it’s sad, because the ending is inevitable, and the whole story is spent fighting against destiny.”
Why should you come to see Romeo and Juliet? According to Zara Lemieux, Drama Club president, “It’s not really as sacred as people think… it’s a lot crasser and a lot funnier. It doesn’t need to be taken so seriously… it’s a fun time.”
Jakob Braz, Benvolio, says, “People should come see the show because of all the work and dedication that we’ve put into it, and the talent of the students.”
Drama Club students involved in the production include: Zara Lemieux, Jaden Borden, Ethan Bousquet, Sara Cravo, Seth Sweeney, Jakob Braz, Ashley Cowles, Jayden Lima, Joshua Botelho, Eva Watts-Pine, Madison Ashworth, Trevor Lopes, Leah Leahy, Britney Soares, Jamie Roballo, Caitlin Hodges, Laura Conde, Maxine Duarte, Ricardo Alvira, Jasmine Garrick, Isabel Almy-Daigle, Rhyan Ramos, Taryn Padilla, Akissi Konan, Megan Lima, Quinn Mulvey, Claire Morck, Pearl Racine, Hailey Duarte, Devin Duarte, Maranda Gray, Joseph Martin, Kaycee Langlois, Gianalis Estrella, and Cheyenne Rodriguez. The production is co-directed by Sarah Cadieux Pacheco and Aaron Valente.
Tickets for “Romeo & Juliet” are available at the door, NBHS Bronspiegel Auditorium Box Office, beginning 30 minutes before each performance: $10 students/seniors; $12 general admission. Proceeds benefit the NBHS Drama Club. Ticket reservations are accepted by emailing scadieux@newbedfordschools.org.
