The Theatre Department of West Hartford’s Hall High School will present a one-of-a-kind production of ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ live-streamed via YouTube.

Dress rehearsal for Hall High School Theatre Department production of “Romeo and Juliet.” Courtesy photo

By Ronni Newton

Hall High School students will present their own uniquely pandemic-influenced and inspired version of “Romeo and Juliet” this week during three live-streamed performances available for viewing at no cost via YouTube live.

Through a combination of pre-recorded scenes and live action, Hall’s rendition of Shakespeare’s iconic romantic tragedy has takes place in New York City in 2020, with the context of the pandemic as the backdrop. The scenery already in place on Hall’s stage – originally crafted for the 2020 Pops ‘N Jazz show that was canceled just days before its premiere and utilized for this year’s recorded version – provides a perfect set for the performance.

Dress rehearsal for Hall High School Theatre Department production of “Romeo and Juliet.” Courtesy photo

“Actors are masked but appear in both recorded scenes filmed on location mixed with live acting from our beautiful set on our stage, making it a one-of-a-kind production unlike anything Hall has ever seen,” said Hunter Parker, theatre teacher and director of the show. “Audience members will be viewing the show in real-time and have three opportunities only to catch a live-streaming performance,” she said.

The cast and crew includes 35 students, who have worked together to create the combination live-action and recorded performance, which also features unique behind-the-scenes elements, and advanced use of editing and technological skills.

The show runs between 90-100 minutes, and there is no cost for the viewing, which is available on Thursday, April 29 and Friday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m., as well as Saturday, May 1, at 2 p.m.

The YouTube promo below describes the process, and features Parker as well as several of the students speaking about the process. The link to the performances can be found here, and will be activated several hours before each curtain time.

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Dress rehearsal for Hall High School Theatre Department production of “Romeo and Juliet.” Courtesy photo