"Who ever loved that loved not at first sight?"

   While many students spent their summer by the pool soaking up the sun, members of Alvirne’s Class Act were busy studying lines and preparing themselves for their performance of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, which took place on August 14-16.
   The play combined tangled love triangles, disguises, deceit, and comic relief to create a show that entertained people of all ages. It showed the funnier side of Shakespeare, and also tied in the power of love.
   “As You Like It is a love story, and with it Shakespeare educates us, his audience, about the many varieties and facets of love,” says Mrs. LaFrance, Class Act adviser and director of the show. “Parental love, sibling love, romantic love, camaraderie, infatuation, and even the love of power are portrayed here for your consideration.”
   The main love interests in the production were Rosalind (sophomore Ashley Iannaco) and Orlando (sophomore Nick Kraemer); Celia (sophomore Lauren Kraemer) and Oliver (alum Matt Krawczyk); Silvius (junior Scott Bernstein) and Phoebe (senior Brittney Beland); and, Touchstone (Jay Perrin) and Audrey (alum Shayla Tanguay)—all of whom we see grow and learn over the course of the show.
   “I was surprised that Shakespeare could be so fun,” said Nick Kraemer. His opposite, Ashley Iannaco agreed, “Even though it was really difficult to memorize all of the lines, we all had a great time performing and the end result was really rewarding.”
   The audience enjoyed the show also. “I thought that the physicality of the actors made Shakespeare understandable and funny,” says James Gillum. For three nights the audience was packed, and they all raved about the show. One of their favorite parts was the Slaugterhouse Five, a group of dancing and singing sheep parading about the stage. “They were so funny,” said Nicole Gager.
   Unfortunately for the graduated seniors, this was their last show with Class Act. “I am really glad that I got to do this show,” shared Eric Viera. “I’m going to miss not being able to do any more plays with Class Act. I feel that this cast bonded in ways that I’ll never forget.” In the end, this production turned out to be a great success.
   Auditions for Rumors, Class Act’s fall show, will be held on September 8 after school. For more information, see Mrs. LaFrance in room 315. Alvirne looks forward to another great production!