Blood and Borders: RAHS Drama Brings ‘Bleeding Kansas’ to the Cal Center Stage

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Mikayla Sworthout and Reedsburg Features Staff

REEDSBURG — The balcony of Verona is moving to the American frontier this spring as the Reedsburg Area High School drama department prepares a bold new take on William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Set in the Kansas Territory of 1856, the production draws a historical parallel between Shakespeare’s feuding families and the violent "Bleeding Kansas" era.

The play will run at the Cal Center from April 17-19. The Friday/Saturday shows are at 7 P.M. while the Sunday show runs as a matinee at 2 P.M.

The unique setting was a "bucket list" item for co-director Mr. Brian Pittman, who drew inspiration from his background as a long-time Civil War reenactor.

"This time period was armed open conflict between Abolitionist and Pro-slavery groups," Pittman explained. "This history lends itself well to the Capulet/Montague conflict. We have even chosen to make Prince Escalus’ group U.S. Federal troops, who were historically sent to Kansas in 1856 to keep the peace."

Co-director Ms. Kristin Gesteland, who has taught the play in her classroom for 34 years, noted that the production is a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" for the students. Despite the difficulty of rehearsing in classrooms with limited space, she said the cast is rising to the challenge of the Bard’s language.

"Because Shakespearean dialogue provides many challenges, we have spent much of the early rehearsal time focusing on understanding the language," Gesteland said.

To help the audience track the warring factions, the production is using a strict color palette. Gesteland shared that The Montagues will appear in hues of blue, green, and gold, while the Capulets will wear red, maroon, gray, and silver. The Federal troops will be distinguished by military uniforms with orange sashes.

Beyond the aesthetics, the show features extensive fight choreography—a task Mr. Pittman is personally overseeing. "This show and setting allows unique opportunities to do this," he said.

At the heart of the tragedy are Romeo and Juliet, played by junior Max Monte ‘27 and senior Rylee Biermeier. Both actors have had to navigate the "love at first sight" tropes of the 16th century while making them feel real for a 2024 audience.

"It can be very difficult to hold back laughter while trying to make the love at first sight moment look real," Monte admitted. "But if I focus on the joy and love I have in my real life, I can project it through my acting."

Biermeier ‘26, who is performing in her final high school role, agreed that the chemistry is all about craft. "I think a common misconception is that the actors have to be in love to play love interests, but that is rarely the case," she said. "You really just have to pretend that the 'real you' isn’t there and channel all the energy you have into your character."

When asked if the characters are truly in love or just in love with the idea of it, Monte was certain of Romeo's devotion. "I believe that my character is indeed in love, mainly because he would do anything for Juliet, even killing himself," he said.

While the lovers provide the passion, Abby Shields ‘26 provides the conscience as Friar Lawrence. Shields has found surprising depth in the character's patience.

"The surprising thing about my character is how understanding he is," Shields said. "It doesn’t matter how mad the other characters get at him, he still tries to calm them down. He’s just a very kind person."

Shields also noted that the cast is working hard to bridge the gap between old English and modern ears. "The first step to making the Shakespearean language feel natural is taking the time to understand what you are saying," she said.

The production promises high-stakes action, including sword fights that Monte described as "a blast."

"I am most excited to just go out there, perform for everybody, and show them how much work everyone has put into this production," Monte said.