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Earl L. Vandermeulen High School students proudly presented an unforgettable performance of William Shakespeare’s timeless classic, “Romeo and Juliet.” This extraordinary production brought the iconic tale of the star-crossed lovers to life, showcasing the impressive talents of over 20 students both on stage and behind the scenes.

Under the direction of Tony Butera, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s production of Romeo and Juliet featured a talented cast of students who have been rehearsing since late September, dedicating four to five days per week to perfect their performances. From the passionate balcony scene to the tragic conclusion, students performed Shakespeare’s original dialogue, delivering the powerful emotions and timeless themes of love, fate, and family conflict.

In addition to the acting, students worked behind the scenes as part of the production crew, helping to bring the play to life with sets, costumes, lighting, and sound. The collaborative effort between cast and crew has resulted in a truly dynamic performance that surely captivated the audience.

“As a director, it has been a privilege to watch our students grow both as performers and as individuals throughout this process,” said Mr. Butera. “They’ve not only embraced the beauty and complexity of Shakespeare’s language, but they’ve also taken on challenging physical aspects of the play, including sword fighting with epees and foils for the fight scenes. The level of dedication and commitment from the entire cast and crew has been inspiring, and we’re thrilled to share this production with our community.”

The students who portrayed the iconic roles of Romeo and Juliet, along with the rest of the cast, have worked tirelessly to bring these beloved characters to life. Additionally, some students have even trained in stage combat to perform the thrilling sword fights that are central to the play’s most dramatic moments.

“We’re incredibly proud of the hard work, passion, and creativity that our students have poured into this production,” said Dr. Michael Caravello, Director of Music and Fine Arts. “This show is a testament to the talent and dedication of our students, and we can’t wait to share it with the community.”

For more information regarding the Port Jefferson School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website at https://www.portjeffschools.org  and follow its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PortJeffSchools.