Drew Cash, Sean Childress, Jennifer Purdy, April Singer and Ian Kramer take questions.

(Clinton, KY – May 8, 2012) – Students at Hickman County High and Middle School got a special treat on a Tuesday afternoon – their own performance of a classic they had recently studied in English class. 

Hundreds of students sat in rapt attention as the Shakespeare Company of Kentucky brought “ Romeo and Juliet,” William Shakespeare’s tragedy of feuding families and young love to life before them. They laughed at the jokes, sighed or giggled nervously at the love scenes and mourned with Juliet when she woke to find her love had killed himself beside her.

The production of five players switching roles with dizzying costume changes was updated with a I-Pod wearing Romeo and a hip hoppin’ Mercutio. The feel of modern Los Angeles complemented the Shakespearean language. Students may not have gotten every reference and every line, but the action and acting held their interest throughout the ninety minute performance.

Drew Cash, April Singer, Ian Kramer, Sean Childress and Jennifer Purdy brought Romeo and Juliet, their friends, servants and families, to life for young people of the same age of the star crossed lovers. As one actor commented in a question and answer session after the show, as long as there are warring families and two young lovers, the story will be fresh.

This is the first visit of the Company to Hickman County. Each year, they toured with a new production. Last year, the students were told, the play was “Taming of the Shrew” done in the style of the 1890’s.

The play was co-sponsored by the school system and the Hickman County Arts Council. After receiving a standing ovation from students, the actors were further assured they had a hit when students lined up to get their autographs.