For years there had been talk about putting on a Shakespearean play, but there was never an opportunity to put together such a production. The class of ’00 had the hopes of putting on the play, but they were unable to achieve this goal; the class of ’04 did what ’00 had dreamed of doing.

The seniors involved in the play had been hoping to do Shakespeare since their sophomore year, and began to plan for the production. They played a major role in the preparation for the play. The girls, Rachael Logsden, Suzie Staus, Kaitlin O’Conner, and Lauryn Varnum sewed a vast majority of the costumes, and, along with Teri Selter, designed the backgrounds. Eric Reed, Gene Gray, and Shannon Crosthwaite set up and designed the lighting for the play.

The casting tryouts were in December, and the students involved, practiced from the week before winter vacation up to the night before the production. Garret Snyder, who played Nick Bottom the weaver, said,” I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to remember my lines. But by the time you’re done, you’re familiar with all your lines, and everyone else’s, too.”

The performances were phenomenal, and many people came to support the play. Teachers from the high school, middle school and elementary school, School Board members, old teachers, and even the alumni from the class of ’00 came to see the play. Over 190 people attended the play, which had six different showings.

This play also had importance to Mr. Cummins, who has always wanted to direct a Shakespearean play. “They’ re the best (performers) I’ve ever had, and it was the best performance I’ve ever directed. It was a joyful experience. Basically, I just got out of their way,” said Mr. Cummins. Mr. Cummins also enjoyed hearing all the students talk about how great the play was, telling their friends they should go to see it.

When asked if there would be future Shakespearean plays, Mr. Cummins replied, “Not in the foreseeable future. It takes a special group. There were 23 people in this cast; we’ll have to build up to it again.”

Mr. Cummins would also like to send out a thanks to all the teachers, administrators and school board members that came to watch the play. He would also like to thank Mrs. Edwards for the flowers and Mr. Nevarez for help with the set. “The support was phenomenal, and I would like to add my thanks,” said Mr. Cummins.