Violent delights will have violent ends when the CHS Shakespeare Troupe holds their production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in the Swartz auditorium on Thurs April 21 through Sat April 23, with a Renaissance Faire starting at 7:15pm and curtain going up on the show at 7:30 pm.

Admission for the play is free but donations will be accepted during the production. Proceeds will go towards CHS’s Shakespeare Troupe and the Foundation for Neurological Diseases.

Junior Alex Pinnell will be playing Juliet and senior JJ Robinson is playing Romeo. This actually isn’t Pinnell’s first time of playing this role.

“I actually was asked to play Juliet in an abridged version of the famous “balcony scene” for an earlier production in November with Cantate Carlisle and I guess I just got attached to the role,” said Pinnell.

Pinnell find the part of Juliet to be a fun role to play. “There are so many ways to interpret Juliet as a lofty and complex character […] I enjoy the simpler, more human parts of her that makes her likable and relatable to teenage girls.”

Robinson is not new to the stage either.

“This is my third year in Shakespeare troupe and my second spring production. Macbeth was a ton of fun last year and Romeo and Juliet is a famous play.”

Both Pinnell and Robinson are very excited for this month’s performances.

“I think what I’m most excited about is the audience’s reactions,” said Pinnell.  “I know a lot of people at our school, as well many adults, still think Shakespeare is difficult or boring. But I believe that this year our cast could change their minds. This play has sword fighting, murder, parties, and dirty jokes, and of course, a tragic love story. I’m excited about making people love Shakespeare as much as I do, even if it’s only for a night.”

Robinson agreed.  “I live to see the people’s reactions after the play.”

Robinson actually balances acting with sports and other extracurricular activities.

“It is not easy,” said Robinson. “There have been many nights where I have to go to bed late because I have three hours of baseball, two hours of Shakespeare, and two hours of homework.”

“However, every activity I partake in, I enjoy. I would not trade in these activities for anything else in the world,” he added.

Shakespeare Troupe is run by CHS English teacher Sue Biondo-Hench.  Hench is proud of the production, stating that “the collaboration among students, alumni, and faculty has allowed all of us to feel very bonded to this play.  Some extraordinarily beautiful work is emerging.”

A large part of this work is happening behind the scenes.  For example, senior Trevor McMaster is currently serving as Student Director, overseeing costumes, props, script editing, and more from the student perspective.

“Working with Romeo and Juliet this year has been a great experience. It’s given me a chance to lead people to the best show they could possibly have,” said McMaster.  “The cast has worked very hard and we should have a great show next week.”