Shakespeare with a twist

Original score, punk outfits make high school’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ stand out.A design that looks as if the world has been destroyed, lighting effects to dazzle and an original music score -- this is the Park Avenue Players production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

“The lighting and sound made the whole show,” said freshman Celena DelPizzo-Howell, who plays one of the Montague gang.

“Why just show it when you could endow the piece with something really special,” said the play’s director, Mark Dressler. “The audience was overwhelmed with the experience.”

In her first lead role, sophomore Caitlin Barretto, who plays Juliet, said nearly every girl can relate to the basics of the story.

“After learning the lines, I had to picture myself in situations,” said Barretto.

Playing Romeo, junior Brendan McGrady said he found the language of Shakespeare tough at first but eventually got the hang of it.

McGrady said he was inspired to become an actor in sixth grade after receiving compliments after performances in classroom skits.

Freshman Monique Thomas, who plays one of the Montague gang said, “Every cast member is better than any other I’ve been in.”

Original music composed and performed by students Coleman Moore, Kelly Morrell and Sam Trusley has been well-received.

Described by one student as having hints of Elizabethan melodies in it and by another as having an edgy feel, the result is something cast members generally agree to be familiar yet unique.

The post-apocalyptic set design and punk-themed costumes offer other appealing twists for the audience.

“I found it spiritually satisfying for the ‘Clockwork Orange’ setting. It’s a great play by itself -- this is an enhancement,” said freshman Colin Peterson, who plays one of the Capulets.

One thing the students generally had a hard time with was comprehension of the Elizabethan English.

While memorizing the lines was one hurdle, comprehension of what was being said was difficult, according to various members of the cast.

Students taking part in the production suffered through open auditions to earn their roles, Dressler said.

“I had to cut about half of the people who tried out,” said Dressler.

After two months of memorizing lines and rehearsing, the 35 students earned a semester’s worth of elective credits -- and put together something they’re thoroughly proud of.

Performances will take place at the Artists’ Theatre, 625 Park Ave., at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 and 19.

Tickets are $8 for students, $10 for adults and $15 for reserved seating.