Lakewood students will stage Shakespeare play
Cast is preparing 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' to run Dec. 7-9
BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer

LAKEWOOD - For the first time, the Lakewood High School Drama Club will present William Shakespeare's comedy "A Midsummer Night's Dream" on Dec. 7-8 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 2 p.m.

Drama director Angela Corenblith will guide the cast through the piece by implementing a 1950s wardrobe twist, which consists of poodle skirts and roller skates, as the cast performs the play in Shakespearean idiom.

"I did not want to put them in Elizabethan clothing because I thought that would distance the students from the play. I also wanted to make it a little more light because I thought the roller skates and poodle skirts would be something they would be able to associate with," Corenblith said.

The director said the students were enthusiastic about performing the piece and she invited members of the public to come out and support the cast.

She said the students are learning the complexities of Shakespeare's work and said she is certain they will be able to convey the play's universal message of love to the audience.

"I try and do as many classics as I can to expose the children to things I think would be worthwhile. I choose things I think has a theme they can learn from" and hopefully relate to, Corenblith said.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a play about love and what makes one person fall in love with another.

Senior Carly Rasiewicz, 17, who plays Titania, queen of the fairies, said she enjoys everything she learns from participating in the school plays. She said she plans to pursue acting.

"This is something I really love to do, it's my passion. I am in my fourth year of the performing arts program in an honors class. I am preparing for college auditions. I am not quite sure which school I will attend, however, Fordham is definitely up there on my list. Wherever I go, I plan on majoring in theater," Carly said.

Senior Rachel DeCapua, 18, who plays Helena, also plans to pursue a career in the arts.

"I want to be on Broadway and one day eventually teach. I have learned so much from all of my acting experiences here at Lakewood," Rachel said.

Junior Giawanna Johnson, 16, plays the mischievous fairy Puck. She said she loves to perform on stage and encouraged members of the community to come and enjoy the show.

"This play is hilarious, it has everything and it appeals to both young and old," she said.