What Do You Mean, Mercutio's Throwing Up?

"Now don't get us wrong, we love William Shakespeare, but in this new century he's not very clear. Yet, only in reverence to him our great hero, do we pull "The Bard" back to our level - Zero." - The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet (by Peter Bloedel)This year's drama production was about as funny as it gets. An entire Shakespearian play, told in Dr. Seussian rhyme, complete with bumballoon fights, blue wigs, and on-stage birth. (Okay, so Kid One and Kid Two basically "popped" out of their family groups courtesy of balloons under their mother's skirts strategically poked with pins, but FUN-NY. Especially if you're a middle schooler.)
I'm always proud of my drama students, but this year they really pulled it together at the very last minute. We had four people (key people, with big parts) out sick on opening night, and yet, somehow, we managed to pull, push, and shove the play to completion with the audience none (or at least not much) the wiser. That takes skill, and guts, and I'm very proud of my kids.

(Although next time Romeo gets the urge to run around dress rehearsal yelling the name of the Scottish play, I'm going to save myself the trouble and just cancel in advance!!)