It is a unique show to say the least.

 

“It’s the story of Romeo and Juliet, told in six different theatrical styles, so each section of the story is in a different genre,” said Erica Cottrill, senior member of the Bridgeport High School Thespian Troupe #7549.

 

Encompassing Greek, commedia dell'arte and musical theater, among other theatrical styles, “Star-Crossed Lovers” was a risky show to perform at the Region III Thespian Festival, but it paid off big.

 

“We got first place overall for our show, so we move on to states,” said Cottrill of the March 14-16 competition to be held at West Virginia University.

 

The Region III Thespian Festival was held Saturday at Fairmont Senior High School. BHS was among six schools to compete. Also presenting were Robert C. Byrd, Grafton, Tucker County, Fairmont Senior and North Marion high schools.

 

Bridgeport brought home several other honors, including two superlative awards captured by Cottrill – best actress – and Derek Hess – best supporting actor. Jordan Kennedy Rae and Jasmine Burgess were named to the all-festival cast and a trio of BHS students qualified for states by receiving overall superior ratings for technical projects: Heather Bokey for a construction project; Callia Byard for novice mask project and Derek Hess/Zach Deluca for their direction of a short film featuring BHS Thespian Troupe actors.

 

Cottrill said this year’s regional festival was a quality one and that each competing troupe displayed plenty of talent.

 

“A lot of troupes did very realistic dramas and they were all good shows. I really enjoyed watching the shows we got to see and we heard from people who did get to watch all the shows that it was a good festival overall,” she said.

 

Ratings and honors were decided by a trio of adjudicators with vast theatrical experience. BHS was informed that “Star-Crossed Lovers” was high risk. That makes the troupe’s top honor even more sweet, Cottrill said.

 

Written by Sheila Callaghan and Sophocles Papavasilopoulos, the BHS performance of Star-Crossed Lovers was directed by Trina Byard. The comedy/drama tells the classic love story of Romeo and Juliet told over centuries, across continents, and through genres. The show is a spectacular tour of major theatrical and intellectual movements -- spanning tribal Africa, ancient Greece, commedia dell'arte Italy, Chekhov's Russia, Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1930s America, and existentialist post-modernity.

 

BHS Thespian Troupe performed the show Friday, Jan. 25 for the student body and held a public performance that evening. Audiences responded well, Cottrill said. The show, which lasts approximately 45 minutes, will likely be performed again before the State Thespian Festival. Preparation for the statewide competition will coincide with the BHS All-School play, “Narnia,” which runs March 1-3 at the BHS auditorium.

 

It’s a lot of work, but Cottrill said she loves every minute of it. The BHS senior plans to double major in English and acting at WVU in the fall of 2019.

 

The BHS Thespians are under the direction of Jared St. Martin Brown.