Plans for next year’s Fall production and Spring musical.
Artwork by Katie Boyer
The 2011-2012 school year already sets fire on the TJ stage as Drama Teacher and Theatre Producer Michael Palmieri lays out plans for next year’s theatre showcases. Palmieri said, “For the Fall play, I’ve decided to direct Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and for the Spring musical it’s gonna be A Little Shop of Horrors. I’m very excited!”
Though A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a classic by Shakespeare, Palmieri has decided to make a few changes. He said, “The play is a romantic comedy with tons of mix-ups, some magic and fairies, and even love triangles. The plot will stay intact but the language with be modernized. I’m going to update it to the 20th century.”
Alongside the new wording of the play, a rotating set with multi-levels will be in use. “All I can say to the viewers is to expect a unique production, characters, set, and costumes. I’m looking forward to all the great returning actors and technical crew, as well as newcomers. There’s going to be around 20-22 cast members, and in this play, even the smaller parts get to do a lot of cool stuff. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Palmieri predicts.
The Spring musical differs entirely from the Fall play, but maintains the same wacky energy. Palmieri stated, “A Little Shop of Horrors is a love story about alien plants invading earth, plotting to take over. Now, people don’t realize this and unwillingly help the plants in their quest, as the plants start eating people.”
Both the Fall play and Spring musical bring a wave of fresh ideas to the stage, as well as excitement. “I’m excited for next year in general; I think it’ll be great! It has been a while since two big productions hit the TJ stage in the same year, and I think there is serious potential for over-the-top success,” Palmieri said.
