Lockerby Composite School presents “Romeo, You Idiot!”

Lockerby Composite School students will present the play “Romeo, You Idiot” in the school auditorium on Friday, March 27th and Saturday, March 28th, 2009 at 7:30 pm. There will also be matinées for schools on Wednesday, March 25th and Thursday, March 26th at 11:30 am.

This production is a comedic spoof – Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ with a twist. It presents the lovers as modern day teens who come up with unique perspectives and solutions to their problems.  It is a production the whole family can enjoy and includes a lot of action and laughs along the way.

“Lockerby Composite School is well known for its Science Technology Education Program (STEP) for students contemplating a career in medicine, science, health care, business, computer science or engineering,” says Principal Heather Gaffney. “With our blossoming drama program, students also have the opportunity to excel in the arts. This play is the first large-scale production that Lockerby has done in a few years.”

Drama teacher and director Ashley-Paige Fraser, a theatre graduate from the University of Guelph who minored in genetic biology, says that art complements science. “True science comes from creative thought, the desire to know the truth about the physical world around you.  Art does the same thing with the emotional world,” she says.

She adds: “Theatre helps us to understand our life experiences. By studying human behaviour, teenagers learn that they’re not alone, that everybody goes through certain experiences in life and we can all learn from each other.”

The students agree. “I usually don’t like parodies but this one is awesome because it relates to today’s teenagers and the relationships they deal with in a modern way,” says Garrett Carr, who plays Montague in the play.

Student actor Emily Hirtle is also enjoying the experience. “I am learning how not to be shy on stage and express myself more,” she says. “I am gaining advice that I can take with me into the future”.

“You’ll recognize the classic tale, but it’s much more of a spoof, definitely a lot more laughs,” says Cody Sobeys, who performs the role of Romeo.

“There’s a few twists and turns in the plot, but the fight scenes have been left in-tact,” adds Kieran Larin.  “It’s been really fun to choreograph them and learn how to fight on stage without actually hurting anyone.”

Tickets for the public performances on March 27th and 28th are $8 for adults and $5 for children, students and seniors. Tickets are available at the Lockerby Composite School office, 1391 Ramsey View Court, or by calling 522-1750.

Tickets for the matinées are $3 for students and no charge for teachers. For more information and to reserve seating, please contact Ashley Fraser at [email protected]. 

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Media Contact:

Heather Gaffney, Principal, Lockerby Composite School,
Rainbow District School Board, 522-1750.