Even if you do not like green eggs and ham, local theater buffs will enjoy the North Montgomery Theater Troup production of The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet. The show opens at 7 p.m. tonight with performances also scheduled at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Performances are in the North Montgomery High School auditorium.
The play is a reinvention of Shakespeare’s tragic love story, complete with rhymed couplets, creative wordplay, and fantastical machines — similar to something Dr. Seuss might have come up with if he ever had his way with the script.
The family friendly comedy has a cast full of experience as evidenced by the leads Rylan Dowell (Romeo) and Kendall Williamson (Juliet). Both senior thespians have been seen in every North Montgomery High School theatre production since they were freshmen. The duo also has been in productions at North Montgomery Middle School and The Vanity Theater.
Dowell and Williamson both said Dr. Seuss books were a part of their childhood and that in itself makes the play fun.
“Growing up I loved Dr. Seuss,” Dowell said. “To see the story of Romeo and Juliet put in a Dr. Seuss style makes the show very fun. It is a comedy that is light and colorful.”
Williamson agreed with Dowell and said the play is different in a fun way.
“This show is so different than anything I have done,” Williamson said. “The whole show is an enjoyable experience and a challenge.”
The sets on stage are simple with quick scene changes. However, the cast is comprised of interesting characters that entertain the audience in sometimes quirky ways.
One such character is Benvolio played by freshman Crew Cole. Benvolio is a cousin and sidekick to Romeo. Cole started acting at the middle school and said he is enjoying moving up to the high school theater group.
“Being in a high school production is like being in the next level,” Cole said. “I love my part because it allows me to be funny and it fits my personality.”
The cast is composed of 20 members and 12 tech crew members.
Both the leads complimented the cast and crew for their work to make the production a success.
“Everyone in the show is so much fun,” Williams said. “When people get along, as we do, it makes the show better.”
“The tech crew works really hard and often are still here after the rest of us have left practice,” Dowell said. “They deserve recognition.”
The production will take place in the high school auditorium. Tickets are to be purchased online at www.bit.ly/northhsfinearts.com. Prices are $10 for adults and $8 for students.
