Middle School Drama Club Presents "The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet"

  • Posted January 23, 2025

William Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss might be two of the most recognizable names in literature. Each has a distinct writing style fit for their audience, styles which have withstood the test of time.

But what would happen if you told a Shakespeare classic in the rhythmic style of Dr. Seuss? Peter Bloedel's "The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet" takes the iconic dramatic love story and gives it a different spin, creating a tale laced with humor and memorable lines. The Steel Valley Middle School Drama Club opened its production of the one hour play on Thursday, January 23 and will continue performances on Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25.

Showtime is at 7 p.m. on both evenings. Tickets are $2 at the door.

Bloedel's script includes some familiar scenes and storylines, but just when you think you know what's coming, there's an unexpected twist. Even some of the  characters that you've come to recognize will appear a little different. Watch closely and be ready to laugh.

The cast features Emma Downey and Vivian Rusnak as the narrators, Mia Gonzales as Sampson, Quinn Stevens as Gregory, Cami Hoover as Abram, Cyrus Kettell as Balthasar, Davonn Samuels as Lord Capitulate, Auz Bragg as Lady Capitulate, Sofia Grzyb as Lord Monotone, Aria Yura as Lady Monotone, Allaia Wood as The Prince, Damon Floyd as Romeo, Sage Dasta as Benvolio, Janine Clark as Paris/Prologue, Gia Marzec as Servant of Capitulate, ZaKiyya Berts as Nurse, Luz Nopaltecatl as Juliet, Loghan Muha as Mercutio, Avery Yakubic as Tybalt, Henry McCan as Monk Larry, Eternity Franklin-McDaniel as Voice From Lobby, and Derrick Arrington as Ensemble.

The show also features fifth graders who provide a surprising element to the story. The fifth grade cast features Camilla Coleman, Kara Siniawski, Sophia Abdullah, Andrew Blackwell, Liyana Berts, Maya Colasante, Aurora Mazzella, Gianna Brown, Jon'Nay Epps, Emma Gonzales, Maya Edmunds, Thara Maiysen, Eliana McCallister, Lydia Rusnak, Temi Weirzbowski, Morgan McCallister, Jordan Schempp, Olive Shipman, and Derrick Lester.

The show is directed by Christine Schott with assistance from Alice McCallister and Carmella Marzec. The stage manager is Eliana McCallsiter with a crew featuring Makena Daub, Exavier Giles-Woodson, Ty Seibel, Olive Shipman, Abby Castle, and Delaney Siegel. The sound board operator is Aliayah Burns and the light board operator is Aurora Shipman.

The next Steel Valley Drama production is the spring musical "All Shook Up," inspired by and featuring the hit songs of the legendary Elvis Presley. Showtimes are Thursday, March 13 through Saturday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m.

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