Shakespeare in Love Review

Newington High School's fall production was Shakespeare in Love, a story about Shakespeare during his process of writing and performing his play Romeo and Juliet. The play showed Shakespeare falling in love with a lady of high class who wants to be an actress. However, during this time period, women were not allowed to be in theater performances, so she had to pretend to be a man so that she could play a part. Conflicts include having to marry a man she doesn’t love and disguising her true identity as she is able to perform in Shakespeare’s production.  She also, while performing, falls in love with Shakespeare!  Throughout the play, Viola runs from Shakespeare because she does not want to justify her role in the play, and also knows they could never be together. Shakespeare finds out that she has been dressing up as a man the whole time. By the end of the play, however, Viola is able to play the part of Juliet in the production with Shakespeare as Romeo.  Although they cannot be together because of her arranged marriage, she and Shakespeare enjoy a romantic moment and he agrees to immortalize her in his next play, Twelfth Night, as she sails to America.

The play was so fun to watch. It was very comedic and made me laugh out loud multiple times. From the first scene I was already hooked from the relationships between characters and how funny the dynamics were. I did not expect a play about Shakespeare, a very dark and intense author, to be hilarious and engaging throughout the whole play. Many scenes kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting to know how it would be resolved. The acting in the play was also phenomenal. 

In the production, many of the actors were hilarious and portrayed their characters very well, knowing their lines exactly and being very prepared. Mr. Connolly, the director of the play, had to play a role because of a sick actor, and it didn’t seem to negatively impact the actors performances at all. Along with the actors, the stage crew did an amazing job as well. All of the set changes were very quick and timely. The set was also very beautiful. The lighting looked very professional, the sound quality was very good, and all of the props looked thoughtful and professional. Congratulations to all the actors, stage crew, teachers and staff who helped make the play a success.  Everyone did an incredible job in the production, and we are excited to see what you'll do next!

To see more theater excitement, attend the musical production of Mama Mia! in March.