Kids stage spoof of Shakespeare at Ashbrook school this weekend

CORVALLIS — “Romeo and Harriet,” a musical comedy spoof on the classic Shakespeare tragedy, will be sung, danced and celebrated by the Adventures in Acting Youth Theater Company at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 27, and at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28. All performances will be held at the Ashbrook Independent School Theater, 4045 S.W. Research Way.

“Romeo and Harriet” presents a contemporary take on “Romeo and Juliet.” Set in Corvallis in a Jetsons-like future, the designer-clad and -coiffed Montagues feud with the not-chic, Wal-Mart-attired Capulets, using words as swords and fighting for honor in a duel of Dance Dance Revolution. Bard references are sung and rapped in iambic pentameter; while a white-leisure-suited Romeo makes his disco debut at the Globe. A chorus of Oregano, Carpaccio, Risotto, Prosciutto, Antipasto, Pesto, Mayo and Romano provide spicy commentary throughout.

Now in its third year, Adventures in Acting teaches Willamette Valley youth to sing, dance, act and enjoy each other as they learn musical theater performance skills in this two-week camp. Fifty-two Willamette Valley youth are cast in this year’s production, representing 14 area schools from Albany, Corvallis and Philomath.

Adventures in Acting was founded by local educator and theater advocate Beth Riley in 2006. The staff is made up of Erik Olson, Betty Busch, Jenna Loggerwell, Alison Pentland, Corey Jay and Roy Adams.

Reserved tickets are available at Rice’s Pharmacy. For more information, see www.adventuresinacting.com.