MARSHALL - What if Romeo and Juliet met at a fast food restaurant?
Or if a teenage boy named Artie becomes a king by pulling a sword from a stone?
Of course the stories aren't written that way, but in the upcoming production at Holy Redeemer School, teens come up with a new twist on classic tales.
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Photo by Cindy Votruba
Holy Redeemer School eighth-graders Alyssa Edwards, left, and Ashley Schotzko, rehearse a scene from their class’ presentation of the play “Crumpled Classics.” The play will be at 1 p.m. Monday and 7 p.m. Tuesday in the school auditorium.
The Holy Redeemer School eighth-graders are presenting the play "Crumpled Classics" at 1 p.m. Monday and 7 p.m. Tuesday in the school auditorium. The play is being directed by Jim Radloff.
HRS eighth-graders Alyssa Edwards and Kandice Karsten said the annual play is something they and fellow students look forward to doing their last year at HRS.
"It's something to do with your classmates," Edwards said.
"And it's always been an eighth-grade tradition," Karsten said.
The girls said being part of the play is also a way to make memories of their days at HRS.
Rehearsals for the show began in late March after the students selected a show. Karsten said their English teacher, Jen Keely, helped them choose from three possibilities.
"The whole class got to choose what they wanted to do," Karsten said.
The students selected "Crumpled Classics," a play about a group of students who decided to do their school's annual "Classics on Parade" after their teacher is out sick.
"It was kind of a funny play, one the teachers and parents will get into," Edwards said.
"it kind of represents our class, we like to have fun," Karsten said.
"Crumpled Classics," which is plays within a play, takes familiar stories, such as "Romeo and Juliet," "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Sherlock Holmes" and changes the plotline a bit.
"They make them relate to us teenagers," Karsten said.
All 21 of the eighth-graders portray one or more characters during the course of the play. Karsten plays Miss Collins, the teacher, while Edwards is taking on three roles - Speedy, Lady Livermore and Ben. The students also serve as stagehands and do the lights as well.
The students said they've been busy with rehearsals three afternoons a week.
"It's been a lot of hard work doing all this, we usually have more time," Edwards said. She said they've been appreciative of their director making the time to work with them.
"We were off scripts really fast," Karsten said.
Edwards and Karsten said they're looking forward to how the audience will react to the play.
"It's going to be a really good show and I hope everyone enjoys it," Edwards said.