Bolingbrook High School Actors Preparing for 'Groundbreaking' Fall Play

Valley View School District 365U submitted this story:

Bolingbrook High School’s auditorium stage has become a combat zone as several dozen BHS thespians prepare for what promises to be one of the most interesting fall plays in many years.

When the curtain opens on the BHS production of “Robin Hood” in late October, the swords will be flying, quarter staffs will be crossing, and battle axes, maces and daggers will be everywhere courtesy of Rick Gilbert and R&D Choreography who is spending nearly three hours a day, two days a week teaching hand-to-hand stage combat to several dozen cast members.

“What these kids are doing is what professional actors do when they have to learn stage combat,” said Shireen Behzadi, who is directing the play. “This will be priceless especially for kids going into theatre as a career.”

Robin Hood, which will be performed on stage at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 27, will feature nine different fight scenes including the big finale in which 18 actors will be on stage fighting at the same time.

“I constantly challenge these kids and I’m never disappointed,” said Behzadi who is directing her 6th production at BHS. “This time this may be their most amazing challenge.”

R&D Choreography’s help doesn’t come without a price. Behzadi is hoping community members and local businesses will come forward to help with the cost, which is not in the school’s play budget.

“This is a groundbreaking show for BHS,” Behzadi said. “This is what you would see on Broadway.”

Tickets for the production will be available after Oct. 1 by going to www.showtix4u.com or by e-mailing DanielsonK@vvsd.org.

Behzadi can be reached at BehzadiSL@vvsd.org.