A 20-actor cast will present four of Shakespeare’s famous tragedies in the HHS Theater Department’s production this week. 

“Shakespeare’s Hilarious Tragedies” is a new, modern take on some of the playwright’s classic plays Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, Hamlet and Macbeth. 

Brendan Kelso created this adaptation of Shakespearean plays for children to perform, however HHS improv and creative writing teacher Amy Marchino directs the school’s production. 

“I held open auditions so that we could include anyone in the school who wanted to participate,” Marchino said. 

The auditions attracted 36 students to try out, allowing Marchino to select a cast of 20 actors.

“The play is 20 minute versions with Elizabethan language, but there’s also some modern day language so people can understand it,” Marchino said.

The play combines elements of comedy and traditional Shakespeare, creating a fun, drama-filled production.   

“It fits my goal of including a lot of people, having people say they did some Shakespeare, mingle with the language, but also have fun,” Marchino said. 

The play is perfect for high school theater programs who want to perform a Shakespearean play, while not wanting to commit to a full length, five-act tragedy.

Modern music will be played during various parts of the play, adding new aspects to already beloved plays.

“You take something that everyone likes and put a little twist on it,” Marchino said.     

The cast has been practicing after school every Monday through Thursday running lines, blocking or acting out scenes.

 Junior Tad Cumpton, who is new to HHS theater, is playing the role of Hamlet in the production.

“Theater has always been something I’ve wanted to do, I just never had the confidence until now,” Cumpton said.

Cumpton has appreciated the challenges he has experienced through theater and is thankful for the rewarding feeling that comes with completing a production.

“It’s like a family almost,” Cumpton said, referring to the cast. “You learn a lot about people, and it can get a little crazy but when you’re together it will all work out.”

The play will run on April 25, 26 and 27 with shows at 7:00 and an additional show at 2:00 on Saturday afternoon.

Tickets will be available on the Homewood Tricorne website or GoFan. 

Ticket link: https://gofan.co/app/school/AL1074?activity=Performing%20Arts