‘Hello, Shakespeare!’

‘Hello, Shakespeare!’

CYT presents a fun- filled evening with The Bard

DeltaARTS “To be or not to be?”

That's one of the many famous Shakespeare lines recreated in the fun-filled 2017 Crittenden Youth Theatre Repertory Troupe production, “Hello, Shakespeare!”, sponsored by Pi Chi Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

“Hello” is touring currently to area schools and will present a public performance Friday, April 21, 7 p.m. at the DeltaARTS Glenn P. Schoettle Arts Education Center (301 S.

Rhodes, West Memphis).

The Repertory Troupe was created more than 20 years ago to provide junior and senior high-aged students the opportunity to work under the direction of professional actors/directors while bringing youth theatre to local schools.

Directed by Meredith Melville and stage managed by Chat Adaway, “Hello, Shakespeare!” features 10 local student actors who have been collaborating, learning lines, modernizing Shakespearean text, and building theatrical skills since late February.

Cast includes: Madelyne Ashmore (West Jr. High), Jordan Evans (Academies of West Memphis), Cameron Hicks (Homeschool), Ethan Kaiser (Academies), Serenity Lewis (West), Abigail Rains (West), Sarah Semiche (West), Shelby Stanberry (West Memphis Christian), Ava Walker (West), and Grace Wilson (West).

This fast-paced comedy is an entertaining way to introduce students and audiences to the wonderful world of Shakespeare. A narrator and her irreverent helper comically provide a brief biography of the playwright, who appears in protest to make sure they get the details right.

Drawing from Shakespeare's long list of histories, comedies, and tragedies, a grand parade of the Bard's most cherished and famous characters follows. They humorously reenact brief moments from their plays and recite famous lines in iambic pentameter all while the impish helper, now dressed as Puck, creates mischief. With an hilarious grand finale performance of the infamous play-within-a-play, “Pyramus and Thisbe” from “A Midsummer Night's Dream,” this whirlwind introduction to Shakespeare has something for everyone!

“Hello, Shakespeare!” is available for touring through April 21. Schools, libraries, after-school programs, and other organizations can book the Troupe for $250 a performance by calling DeltaARTS at (870)732-6260.

Admission to the public performance is $10 adults/$5 students. For more information about Crittenden Youth Theatre or other DeltaARTS programs, visit deltaarts.org.

From Alex Smith