Romeo and Juliet’s tragic love story comes to Geneva High School

The Geneva High School theater department is preparing to showcase “Romeo and Juliet,” a story of love and ancient grudges.

The classic tale by William Shakespeare follows two families, the Montagues and Capulets, with their long-enduring hatred for one another. Juliet and Romeo are two star-crossed lovers from the rival families who defy the years-long conflict to pursue their forbidden love.

This bittersweet play has seen countless stages since its publication back in 1597. Its legacy continues on Geneva’s stage for the very first time on Nov. 13-15. Performances will be at 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday in the high school auditorium, 416 McKinley Ave.

Tickets are on sale now at ticketpeak.co/genevahighschool304/events. Tickets are $10 or $7 for seniors and students.

As Shakespeare has influenced countless pieces of literature since his time, audiences are sure to find common motifs that stemmed from this very play, accompanied by a slight modern touch with some humor and a particular musical scene.

Freshman Emerson Carter feels the show is still relatable to 21st-century audiences. Shakespearean language can sometimes be a mouthful, but the Capulet family member assures viewers that “precise blocking and choreography is what makes the show whole and comprehensive to all, not to mention exceedingly humorous.”

Emerson is not the only one who has had fun grasping the challenges of “Romeo and Juliet.” Junior Ellie Harvey plays Juliet’s Nurse (a sort of motherly figure for Juliet) and recounts just how much theater means to her despite its demanding nature. “I feel like theater is just a way to express yourself and a reflection of life without outwardly saying it,” she said. “You’re able to exert your feelings and touch the audiences’ souls with just your actions.”

None of this would be possible without a fantastic pair of directors. Head director Jason Fontanetta encourages all actors to think past the words on the page and pushes them to bring the stage to life as a cohesive whole.

Drew Longo, assistant director, helps actors on a more individual basis, ensuring that each and every person brings out the best in their character and learns how to make it their own.

No show is complete without a good pair of student directors as well. Morgan Kennedy and Ella Bradley, both students at Geneva High School, help with the production, ensuring that things run smoothly and being a safety net if a line is ever needed.

With a dedicated quartet of directors, talented cast, and impressive crew, each and every person can agree on one sentiment: they simply can not wait to see their work come to fruition in front of a live audience. Everyone involved has put in an incredible amount of work and time to perfect the show and keep a centuries-old tale of tragic love alive … unlike some characters.