Wolfpack Theatre presents Shakespeare favorites

Experience two classic pieces of Shakespeare presented in two contrasting settings and styles when the Wolfpack Theatre Company’s Acting and Stage Production classes combine forces to present “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Taming of the Shrew.”

Performances are on April 17 and 19 in the Wolfpack Theatre at Glacier High School. The start time is 6:33 pm. 

Advanced tickets for the show are available on GoFan, Glacier’s online ticketing service, and at Photo Video Plus.  Any remaining tickets will also be sold at the door.  Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $6 for children, students and senior citizens.  To access the ticketing service, go to gofan.co and search for Glacier High School.  Each night of the production is listed for ticket purchase.

The Acting and Stage Production class directed by Ivanna Fritz will launch the night with Shakespeare’s most popular and well-known plays, “Romeo and Juliet.” Daring to fall in love during a dangerous time, these two “star-crossed lovers” must hide from the blind anger and ignorance of their feuding families. These love-bound teenagers rebel against the demands of their parents and fall in love and wed in secrecy.  The repercussions of this secret union disrupt the entire city, dragging friends and family into a web of misunderstanding and revengeful plots that ends in nothing but tragedy.

“We decided to produce ‘Romeo and Juliet’ traditionally. We have Renaissance costumes and sword fighting,” said Fritz. “My class has embraced the Shakespearean language, dancing, and fighting this show requires. I'm proud of all of the work the new kids have put in and all of the mentoring by our upperclassmen.”

The familiar characters combine with beautiful and memorable poetry to make this particular Shakespearean play easily accessible to all ages and an audience favorite. 

“This classic story plays off of opposites: love and hate, life and death, young and old. We cut the story down to one hour while keeping the integrity of the story,” said Fritz.

The Acting and Stage Production class directed by Greg Adkins will take to the stage to close out the evening with a unique twist on Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” 

This romantic romp, by Shakespeare, shines a comic spotlight on the pleasures and perils of the search for the perfect mate. Beautiful Bianca has no shortage of admirers, but she can't marry until her obstinate and headstrong sister Kate finds a husband. Along comes the fortune-hunting Petruchio, who is determined to hit it rich in Padua and sets out to win the heart of the fiery-spirited Kate. Petruchio and Kate face off in a blazing battle of wits, while three enthusiastic suitors initiate their own crafty campaigns as they compete for Bianca's affection.  

“Set in 1989 against the backdrop of the hair band rock era, this rendition of ‘Shrew’ promises a unique twist,” said Adkins. “The choice of the hair band rock era was inspired by my own personal experience and a shared enthusiasm among the cast for the music and aesthetics of that time period. Its vibrant energy and style perfectly complement the characters and essence of the play."

As part of a complete theatre curriculum, the Acting and Stage Production class at Glacier High School gives students the opportunity to further develop their character portrayal skills and discipline required of an actor. Along with a class production, students perform a variety of monologue and ensemble performances, along with experiences to assist the student in analyzing a script and understanding the role of the actor in the production process. 

The cast of “Romeo and Juliet” includes Kaylin Stein, Zaden Stout, Andrew Crane, Parker Scherer, Faith Fernandez, Isabel Presnel, Daniel Cole, Ben Colby and Toben Mallo.  

The cast of “The Taming of the Shrew” includes Andrea Chandler, Jasper Koppelberger, Autumn Kostelecky, Raven Hill, Sierra Cole, Sydney Deardorff, Theron Wilton, Rohn Pickar, Toben Mallo and Thomas Alexander.

Behind the scenes, Gabby Cantrell-Musson, Isabelle McKoy, Haley Hill, Brenna Ernst, Kailie Owens, Naemi Creighton, Hunter Snyder, Sean McHugh and Abigail Haley make up the lights, sound and stage crew.