The Spectator

“The middle school is putting on their first ever play!” Those were the first words out of Brandon Zajicek’s (who plays Romeo) mouth when I asked him about the up and coming all middle school production of The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet.  Many of the middle school will be participating in the show, and in the words of Cheyney Cornish ‘15 (plays narrator #1—similar to Thing #1): “Even though I still have 53 more lines to memorize, I’m very excited for everyone to see the final product.”

So in order to get a better feel for what the play was about, I interviewed Mrs. Stafford, who is the Director of the show.  She was asked to direct the play since she has had numerous years of experience in directing and producing dramas, comedies, and musicals at the previous school she worked at in Milwaukee.  She is just as excited as her actors for everyone to finally see the play.

Q.: What made you decide to pick this play?

Ms. Stafford: The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet is a “farcical” portrayal of Shakespeare’s classic drama of love overcoming prejudice. I chose this play because of the following: its humor and its shorter length (just one Act); hence, it’s age-appropriate for middle school students.

Q.: How did the casting process work out? Approximately how many people were cast?

Ms. Stafford: We invited the entire middle-school to try out for whichever part interested him or her. We then spent a couple of days having students read a few lines to determine who was best suited for the individual roles. As it turned out, we have a cast of 21—some students will portray more than one character too.

Q.: Is this the first time the middle school has ever hosted its own play? Why now?

Ms. Stafford: Yes, this is the first time for the school to engage in its own production. The school chose to start having its own show due to its larger enrollment this year. By adding the freshmen, the school is somewhat establishing a new, stronger identity, yet it still remains an integral part of the overall Shattuck community.

Q.: Any funny moments or stories that happened on set that you can tell us?

Ms. Stafford: There have been many moments we’ve laughed, but thus far, these have been due to the script’s lines or mispronunciation of particular words etc.

Q.: How long is the play? Has it been modified at all?

Ms. Stafford: Since the play is only one act, it should last about an hour. There was no need for any modifications other than changing some stage directions; it’s designed for middle school, as well as high school—even some universities have done this show!

Q.: Will upper school students be able to come out and watch?

Ms. Stafford: Absolutely--it’s a show that appeals to audiences of all ages! The production will be performed in the Newhall Auditorium on Th., May 3rd and Fri., May 4th at 7:30 P.M.

Q.: How long have you guys been working in rehearsals?

Ms. Stafford: With Ms. Fuch’s assistance, we started right after Spring Break.

Q.: Will the middle school start hosting plays of their own every year?

Ms. Stafford: Though nothing is formally decided at this point, but I expect the school will do so—even a musical is a possibility.

~Nicole Jones ‘14

Picture credit to:

http://artscheyenne.com/