If Dr. Seuss had written “Romeo and Juliet,” how might it sound? Both the Dr. and the Bard were famous for their couplets, but only a “Seussified” Romeo would say:
“Ei-hotchee mama, Whoo! — Hubba hubba!
That girl is a babe, or my name’s Dumb Bubba.”
Great Bend High School’s Drama Department will present “The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet,” with two performances on Saturday and two on Sunday in the GBHS Auditorium.
Show times are 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 12. Tickets are $4 if purchased in advance from cast members or the school. Tickets will be $6 at the door. Kids 5-13 years old will be admitted for $1.
Playwright Peter Bloedel reinvents Shakespeare’s tragic love story in the whimsical style of Dr. Seuss, director Holly Johnson said.
“The play is the story of Romeo and Juliet as told by Dr. Seuss. It is a hilarious rendition of the tragedy and has many twists and turns. It takes parts from multiple Dr. Seuss books such as “The Sneetches,” “The Zaks,” “The Cat in the Hat” and many more.”
Aaron Clark, who plays Romeo, said the silly, clever rhymes make this show fun for all ages. A familiarity with the original play is not necessary.
“I read (“Romeo and Juliet) my freshman year and saw the movie that year too. This is a little different,” he said. “The jokes aren’t exactly complicated.”
Cast members are Aaron Miller, Ashin Heath, K.D. Scherer, Patrick Heath, Hayden Honomichl, Cierra (Kaylin) Wood, Matt Castle, Donovan Paden, Gentry Schneider, Geoffrey Pafford, Baily Banks, Mc-Kenna Esfeld, Aaron Clark, Brady Daniel, Daniel Abbott, Cely Hutchinson, Alyx Torres, Jadon Ward, Molli Banks, Eddie Beach, Emilynn Wettengale, Lexy Fox, Jaiden Preston, Bayle Sandy and Olivia Petrik.
Production staff and crew: Holly Johnson, director; Connie Claussen, assistant director; Madison Jones, stage manager; Cheyenne Black, lighting; Trevor Fehr, sound; Dessa Cline and Jailyn Hull, costumes and makeup; Victor Stoulil and Mikah Proffitt, technical crew.
The Art Department and Art Club painted the set in Seuss style.
