Just picture it.  You are in 16^th Century Italy, roaming the streets when you happen upon a new style of theatre called Commedia Dell’Arte.  Performing outdoors, the actors are donning masks and even include women (gasp!).  They harness the power of improvisation and satire and fully entertain the gathering crowd with humorous scenarios.

 

Luckily, a trip to Italy is not necessary to experience such a sight.  Actors from Bridgeport High School Theatre will be performing a free public show on February 12 at 7:00p.m. in the BHS Auditorium in preparation for their participation in the Regional Thespian One Act Play Festival in Morgantown. 

 

Directed by Trina Byard, with Jared St Martin Brown as Tech Director, “Lovers of Verona” will be performed.  The play was written by Joshua Blanchard and features handmade masks which were constructed and painted by BHS senior Morgan Willis and Trina Byard.  Costumer Albani St. Martin Brown rounds out the talented crew that brings the story to life. 

 

“The theatrical style featured in the play is very silly and fun,” said Brown. “It has influenced comedies through hundreds of years, including Shakespeare and some even say it is used in modern television shows such as Fawlty Towers or The Simpsons.”

 

Performers include Callia Byard, Erica Cottrill, Hannah Cottrill, Derek Hess, Sierra Shreves, Austin Randolph, Noah Hall, Caroline Fulks, Doug Soule, Emily Estanich, Jenna Keefover, Cordell Hutcheson, Tori Bonafield, Kady Hayes, Michaela Hutcheson, Lindsay Malenich, Morgan Willis, Ethan Willis, and Vincent Pinti.  Crew includes Niki Dewitt, Jordan Kennedy Rae, Olivia Leadman, and Izzay Hawkinberry.

 

After free performances for Bridgeport High School and the public, they will compete on Saturday in the regional competition,