NOTE: “Today” and “tonight” refer to Friday, June 12.
CHIMACUM — What would happen if Dr. Seuss got hold of Shakespeare’s big romance?
“The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet,” of course.
This is the play set at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer tonight for just one show.
With 17-year-olds Nicola Pieper as Juliet and Sean Miller as Romeo, curtain time is 7 p.m. at the church, 45 Redeemer Way.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with admission a suggested $10 donation for adults, while children 12 and younger are invited to come free.
Proceeds benefit a forthcoming mission trip to Slovakia, where church members will spend three weeks helping youngsters with their English skills.
The “Romeo and Juliet” story is completely retold, said Nicola, who is also co-director of the production.
“If people are interested in a light-hearted night full of laughter, this is the play for them,” she said, adding that the evening will also include Dr. Seuss-inspired desserts.
Church members are making those, along with working on “The Seussification’s” costumes, props and sets.
“It should be a lot of fun,” said Nicola, who played the title role in Chimacum High School’s “Alice in Wonderland” earlier this spring.
“The Seussification” is about an hour long with an intermission, she said, adding that the tragic aspects of the story have been, well, changed up a bit.
Written by Peter Bloedel, the show is rife with rhymed couplets, wordplay and slightly altered character names.
There’s Lord Capitulate, for example, portrayed by Tim Manly, and Lady Monotone played by Brenda Carter.
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Pastor Don Pieper, Nicola’s father, serves as co-director and narrator of the play while his wife, Claudia Pieper, is also a narrator.
Melanie Pieper, Nicola’s twin, plays Benvolio; Jake Ellis is Mercutio; Caleb Wilson is Tybalt; Ryle Gepitulan plays Gregory and other roles; Ari Pape-Uphoff portrays both Paris and Abram; Walt Carter plays Balthasar; Amber Benner is Nurse; and Ron Kain is Monk Larry.
While John and Jake Ellis worked on the sets, other church members and Chimacum High donated the costumes for the show.
For more details about “The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet,” phone the church at 360-385-6977.
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
