'Romeo and Juliet' at HHS

Local theater-goers have a chance to see a slightly different take on a Shakespearian classic as the Havre High School drama department puts on the Bard's tale of star-crossed lovers "Romeo and Juliet."

Director Jay Pyette said 10 students are performing more than 30 roles, with character changes taking place in front of the audience and the original script revised - cut down a bit - in the new telling. The Havre High School students acting in the play have helped craft the production, he added.

"It's really helped develop a story that's modern and today," Pyette said.

The play stars Will Arocha as Romeo and Jessa Pyette as Juliet, the two lovers from feuding families who secretly continue their love until it ends in tragedy.

Rounding out the cast, with each playing multiple roles, are Peter Hansen, Oriah Pratt, Trenton Parrotte, Amanda Dolph, Hailee Kilgore, Raymond Campbell, Brandon Bergren and Kristawna Fox.

Pyette said he cut the script for the Havre production, taking what normally is a 2 ½- to 3-hour production and shortening it to about an hour-and-a-half.

"We kept the basic story, but that was the purpose, to tell the story ... ," he said. "What we strove to create was a 'Romeo and Juliet' that moves quickly but tells us the story.

"I don't think the audience ever is going to feel it is dragging," he added.

The doors to the Havre High Theatre open Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. with the production starting at 7:30 p.m. each night. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for students and seniors.