THE TWO BECOME ONE ...
Whitehouse, Jacksonville students take sides in 'Romeo and Juliet'

Josh Byrd and Christine Haddad portray the title characters in "Romeo and Juliet," opening tonight at WHS.

Two schools, both alike in dignity, in fair East Texas where we lay our scene...

The Wildcats and Indians usually face off to conquer one another on the gridiron, the court and the diamond; however, the stage is a different story; at least for now.

Whitehouse and Jacksonville high school thespians have joined forces for a monumental presentation of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

The idea came after the theater arts groups both did presentations of Noises Off. They watched each others' performances and tossed around the idea of doing a production together. After the logistics were ironed out, the practices began.

"They work apart during the week and come together on Saturday to work together," Shirley Grote, Jacksonville High theater arts teacher said. "It's truly amazing what they've been able to do."

Shirley Grote and husband Vernon both train budding actors in Jacksonville. Mrs. Grote teaches 6th grade and high school while Mr. Grote teaches middle school.

Citizens of Verona, played by Kelsi Gilbreath and Heather Matthews, along with Breanna Lowder as Lady Montague and Cody Lindley as Benvolio, look on during the final scene.

Mr. Grote's theatrical experience goes far beyond the classroom. According to his wife, he spent 30 years on the stage and behind the scenes as a professional. Along with his directorial duties, he will play the role of the Prince of Verona. His talents as a set designer were shared in the Whitehouse production of Beauty and the Beast and, of course, his handiwork will be evident in the scenery construction of Romeo and Juliet. The apple does not fall far from the tree with sons Frank and John serving as master carpenters for the play.

Along with the Grotes of Jacksonville, Melissa Danforth, theater arts instructor for Whitehouse High, is so proud of the efforts of the students and the school districts to come together for this cooperative endeavor.

Shakespeare's tragic drama has not changed in its 500 years of stage-life. Romeo Montague, played by Josh Byrd of Whitehouse, and Juliet Capulet, played by Christine Haddad of Jacksonville, are teenagers who fall deeply in love but their families are bitter enemies.

Quentin McAdams as Lord Montague and Lord and Lady Capulet, played by Josh McDonald and Jodie Moore, are stunned by the death of their children, Romeo and Juliet, played by Josh Byrd and Christine Haddad. Below: Drew Lollar, as Friar Lawrence, kneels in prayer.

The Montagues are played by Whitehouse students. The roles of Lord and Lady Montague are played by Quentin McAdams and Breanna Lowder. Cody Baker plays Abraham. Cody Lindley plays Benvolio. Josh Mims plays the role of the mortally wounded Mercutio, with Patrick Sanders playing the role of Balthasar.

Jacksonville students portray the family of the Capulets. Lord and Lady Capulet are played by Josh McDonald and Jodie Moore. The nurse is played by Clydea Ray. Tybalt is played by Dustin Jones, who also is killed during one of the family feuds. Nathan Dumas plays the part of Peter, with Austin Strong portraying Sampson, and Alec Blouin fulfilling the role of Gregory.

Vernon Grote exudes his authority as he plays the role of the Prince. WHS students Drew Lollar and Aaron Decur take on the roles of Friar Lawrence and the Apothecary.

The citizens of Verona, played by WHS students, are Byron Dunlap, Courtney Folmar, Kelsi Gilbreth, Heather Matthews, Nick McCown, Tina McQuigg, Jared Nipp, Jackie Richardson and Lydia Uribe.

Jacksonville students playing the role of townspeople are Scarlett Henderson, Kathryn Smith, Dusty Spraggins, Kaiti Turney and Sierra Young.

The directors are Mrs. Danforth of WHS, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Grote of JHS with Mr. Grote also serving as technical director. Scenic painting was done by Mrs. Danforth, WHS parents and students. The carpenter's assistant is Sharra Vickers, JHS class of '06. In the wings are stage manager Courtnie Bishop of WHS; backstage manager, Max Pell of JHS; lighting technician, Ashley Anderson, WHS and sound technician, Chase Collins, WHS.

The technical crew includes Lesley Craig, Cody Lindley, Jared Nipp, Patrick Smith and Garrett Dostile all of WHS with Austin Strong of JHS.

Melissa Danforth

Master mask maker is Kim Rischard.

The cast and crew wish to offer applause to their respective superintendents and principals for allowing this cooperative venture and they give a standing ovation to the Friends of the Theater for their financial assistance in this project.

Romeo and Juliet will premiere tonight at 7 at the Whitehouse Auditorium and continue Saturday, Nov. 4; Thursday, Nov. 9; and Saturday, Nov. 11 (time and location are the same for all performances). Student tickets are $3 and adult admission is $5.

For never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo.

Vernon Grote Shirley Grote