JHS STUDENTS BRING SHAKESPERIAN 'FIRE' TO STAGE

Who is saying what about whom is a constant source of surprise -- and confuison -- in Shakeapearian comedies. Here Hero (Meredith Lape, disguising herself as a bush) doesn't like what she hears. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Even the law gets involved in the misunderstandings of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

While muddled communciation has been a bone of contention for scholars, beurocrats and lovers for centuries, it has also created some fo the finest backdrops for comedy and drama.

The Jackson High School Drama Club will try to capture some of the magic of miscommuncation March 17-18, when it stages "What Fire is Mine Ears: Othello and Much Ado About Nothing."

Under the direction of Tracy Fisher, the JHS students will bring the two William Shakespeare classics to the stage. Both feature misunderstandings and muddled communication at their best.

The slightly-shortneed adaptations will freature a veteran cast. Many of the performaers took part in last spring's Shakespearian venture, A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Othello will be a 35-minute adaptation, with student directors Tim Nicolai and Chris Shank and a cast of Amanda Lowes, Jeni Zinner, Tara Herbst, Josh Pfefferkorn, Blake Burress and Zach Rice.

Much Ado About Nothing will be a 1:15 adaptation of Fisher's working. Student directors Mary Bono and Morgan Meyer will help conduct the comic tale.

Much Ado features Ryan Frenz as Don Pedro, prince of Aragon, David Koeller as his illegitimate brother, Don John, and Paul Gholson as Leonato, governor of Messina. Following a battle, Don Pedro and his troops stay with Leonato and remances begin deveoping between the soldiers and members of Leonato's household.

Claudio (Andy Conklin), falls for Leonato's daughter Hero (Meredith Lape), whiel Benedict seems to be drawn to their host's niece, beatrice (Lydia Blades).

When Claudio is convinced (wrongly) that Hero has been unfaithful, things get hairy. A public denunciation, threats, a fake death and an eventual happy ending are all interwoven with the Bard's typical touch.

The restof the cast features Gabe Nash (Friar Francis), Matt Schaefer (Borachio), Luke Walker (messenger/sexton), Jeni Zinner (Balthasar), Chris Shank (Conrade), Brett Price (Dogberry), Joe Gibbs (Verges), Heather Graham (Ursula), Tressa Honaas (Margaret), Jared Rouggly, Brad Friese and Jeff Koeller (watchmen) and Mary Bono, Erin Hyden, Sarah Linter and Eric Masterson (waiting gentlewomen/party dancers).

Work ont he productions has been goign on since Jnauary, following a "very tough" competition for parts, in Fisher's words.

The show will hit the auditorium stage at 7:30 p.m., March 17-18. Admission is $4.