By Monique Everett
The play “Romeo, You Idiot!” a comedic spoof of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” will be playing in Heiner Theatre on Nov. 16 and Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
“It’s a successful show,” Gerry Large, drama full time faculty, said.
Written by Tim Kochenderfer, the comedic play retells the tale of star crossed lover, Romeo, emphasizing his undying love for Juliet until something comes between them.
While working as a sound operator, Dominic Salas said he’s learned to appreciate theatre more since taking the class.
“I’m looking at theatre through a different lens as both an audience member, and as a thespian,” Salas said.
Last fall, Large’s Theatre Production class performed a comedy by Alan Haehnel about all the things that can go wrong in production called “30 Reasons Not To Be in a Play.”
Large reads plays and looks for stories to decide which show theatre students will perform.
“I’ll use the publisher ‘Play Scripts’ because they’re kind of geared toward high school and community theatre. That works really well because it’s the right age range,” Large said.
Inspired to be a drama teacher his junior year in college, Large said a teacher made the class fun for everyone.
“I didn’t really want to be a professional actor I wanted to do academic theatre instead,” Large said.
The suspension of disbelief in live theatre is something Salas said she is interested in.
“Theatre is magical. It’s very different from TV or movies,” Salas said. “People allow themselves one hour to completely believe whatever story or plot is on stage.”
Large said students gain confidence and creative problem solving skills through taking theatre classes.
“If you can perform silly stuff in front of an audience you can perform anywhere,” Large said. “I would hope it translates to their ordinary lives and classes.”
“Romeo, You Idiot!” will play on Nov. 16 through Nov. 18. in Heiner theatre at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $3.
