Romeo and Juliet at Schoolhouse Arts Center

Schoolhouse Arts Center's Youth Summer Shakespeare Ensemble will present Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet from August 17-19 at Schoolhouse Arts Center at Sebago Lake. This world-renowed tragedy by William Shakespeare concerns two young "star-crossed lovers", a long-running family feud, and a tragic romance. Romeo and Juliet is one of the Bard's most famous plays and one of his earliest theatrical triumphs. And, now it is coming to Schoolhouse Arts Center performed by a talented group of teens.

The 18 youth in the Summer Shakespeare Ensemble at Schoolhouse Arts Center range in age from 9 to 18 and come from several different communities. They have been working with Director Eileen Avery since June, attending workshops and rehearsals throughout the summer. As part of these workshops, they received training in staged combat from Mark Bedell, fight director, at The Maine Academy of Staged Combat, who also choreographed the sword fight scenes. The cast includes Lynne Schabhetl (Lady Montague) from Bridgton; Jason Badeau (Romeo), Nathaniel Dombek (Benvolio), Molly Lortie (Nurse) and Mitchell Perrin (Officer) from Gorham; Jacob Plummer (Paris) and Becca Voinche (Juliet) from Limington; Tim Manning (Tybalt) from North Conway, New Hampshire; Sarah Dompkowski (Escalus) from Parsonsfield; Calvin Moisan (Friar Lawrence and Sampson) and Kees van Haasteren (Lord Capulet) from Raymond; Sara Dodge (Lady Capulet) and Angelica Phipps (A Servant to Juliet's Nurse and an Apothecary) from Standish; Nicole Avery (Gregory and Rosaline), Samantha Avery (A Servant to Capulet and a Page), and Ryan Biggs (Lord Montague and Friar John) from Steep Falls; Austin Loukas (Mercutio) and Kirstin Russell (Balthasar/Abraham) from Windham.

This show promises to be an adventure for audiences of all ages! Performances are at the Schoolhouse Arts Center on Route 114, just north of the intersection of Routes 114 and 35 in Sebago Lake Village, from August 17-19. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. Admission is $8 for students and seniors and $10 for adults. Call 642-3743 to reserve tickets.

Becca Voinche from Limington plays Juliet

Becca Voinche from Limington plays Juliet and Jason Badeau from Gorham plays Romeo

Jason Badeau from Gorham plays Romeo

Romeo (Jason Badeau from Gorham) battles Tybalt (Tim Manning from North Conway, New Hampshire)

Tybalt (Tim Manning from North Conway, New Hampshire) battles Mercutio (Austin Lukas from Windham)