Morris Community High School Unveils “Romeo and Juliet” with a Jazz Twist

Morris Community High School is set to captivate audiences with its upcoming production of “Romeo and Juliet: A Jazz Age Love Story.” The play will premiere at 19:00 on Thursday, October 23, 2023, showcasing a unique adaptation of the classic Shakespearean tale, reimagined in the vibrant context of the 1920s.

This innovative retelling moves the iconic story into the Roaring Twenties, drawing inspiration from the era’s cultural nuances, reminiscent of works like “The Great Gatsby.” Students involved in the production, including Sarah Chrisman and Kylie Overbeck, expressed their enthusiasm for the project. Chrisman, who plays the nurse, highlighted the combination of fun and familiarity that the 1920s setting brings to the narrative. “It’s such a fun vibe. It’s the prohibition era, so there’s a lot of gangs, which correlates well to ‘Romeo and Juliet,’” she noted.

The preparation for this ambitious adaptation has spanned several months, with cast members eager to share their hard work with the community. Overbeck, portraying Benvolio, emphasized the uniqueness of the script, which incorporates 1920s slang: “A lot of the lines are really fun, especially because it’s not the original Shakespeare text. We adapted it with 1920s slang, and personally, some of it’s the funniest thing ever. I can’t wait to see the audience react.”

Director’s Vision and Community Engagement

Director Andrea Gustafson explained that “Romeo and Juliet” is part of the school’s curriculum for freshmen, making this adaptation a natural progression. Previous adaptations by the theater program have included works such as “The Crucible” and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” establishing a tradition of reinterpreting classic texts. Gustafson noted that students typically enjoy the 1920s theme, referencing last year’s prom, which also featured a Roaring Twenties motif.

“We’ve adapted it to be ‘20s speak, and it’s as much a deep dive into the 1920s as it is Shakespeare,” Gustafson stated. The production promises to feature an array of jazz music, blending modern sounds with traditional jazz elements. Cast members will don costumes inspired by the era, including flappers and attire suited for the Charleston dance.

Gustafson expressed her anticipation for the performance, which allows students to experience a play they have studied come to life in an engaging format. “One of the cool things about Shakespeare is how relevant his stories, themes, and characters still are today,” she remarked.

“Romeo and Juliet: A Jazz Age Love Story” will have additional performances at 19:00 on Saturday, October 25, and a matinee at 14:00 on Sunday, October 26, providing ample opportunity for the community to experience this vibrant adaptation.