Published: May 09, 2008 12:36 pm         

RCSHS stages Shakespeare

More than 400 years after William Shakespeare wrote A Midsummer Night’s Dream, his popular characters are coming to life on the stage of Rowan County Senior High School.

The drama and speech classes will mount the production in the Lucille Caudill Little Theatre on May 9, 10 and 12 at 7:30 each night. The comedy portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors, their interactions with the Duke and Duchess of Athens, and with fairies who inhabit the forest. The play is one of Shakespeare's most popular works for the stage and is widely performed across the world.

Lysander, Hermia, Helena, and Demetrius are the strong willed, comically star-crossed lovers who are portrayed by Nick Thaxton, Olivia Adkins, Taylor Patrick and Wilson Gabbard. “It’s an honor to perform Shakespeare, one of the greatest playwrights to ever live,” Gabbard said. “We have some big shoes to fill!”

The cast and crew of nearly 50 students have been in rehearsal since March 31. “Shakespeare is part of the core content at RCSHS,” said director Mark Etherton, who is slated to retire at the end of the school year. “The students wanted to do one of his plays, and Midsummer is generally considered one of Shakespeare’s easiest to understand.”

Sophomore Erin Ward is a female in a role traditionally cast as male. Puck, a mischievous fairy who mistakenly enchants Lysander, is a coveted role in many acting circles. “I think girls can play any role,” Ward said. “I’m just Glad Mr. E and Mrs. Etherton believe in me enough to play this one.”

Spanish instructor Grace Rhenals has volunteered to design makeup for the production and Morehead State University student Nikki Conley is designing the lights. The Regency period costumes are rented. “Think Jane Austen,” Etherton said. “They are more interesting than togas.”

One of the biggest challenges of the production has been the Shakespearian language. Memorization and comprehension is difficult for anyone, Etherton said. “Characters are hard for actors to find, so now that they understand the language of the piece, they are coming right along.”

Other members of the cast include: Rose Pettit, Erin Ward, Kenna Trent, Malcom Bailey, Andi Sharp, Racheal Fannin, James Hackney, Cody Hollan, Sharon Cooper, Tanner Boyd, Cameron Mace, Jason Ogemon, Tanner Boyd, Kiara Gabbard, Teagen Nolen, Kelly Reid, Brittney Justice, and Rebecca Oliver.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed May 9, 10, and 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door; $6 for adults, $5 for students and $2 for children 12 and under.