Cliffview Players Summer Production: Romeo y Margarita

There is a theatre group that was born in a local basement and has since grown into a reputable collection of home grown thespians.   Headed by Highlands graduate, Caroline Stine, the Cliffview Players has been putting on shows since 1997.  Well the Cliffview Players are at it again this August with their production of Romeo y Margarita, an intertwining of the enduring tale of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with Peruvian mythology.

I was contacted by Cathie Conniff to promote the play, and I was excited to get the word out to the public!

Cathie provided a little background on the play as well as some history of the children’s theatre group.  “Romeo y Margarita excites using the lyricism of Shakespearean verse with the romance of the Spanish language.  These exciting, unique performances will have a limited run Thursday, August 8 through Sunday, August 11 at the Village Players Theater.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.”

Cathie explained what makes the Cliffview Players unique and what separates them from other theatre groups, “Unlike any other children’s theatre group, Cliffview Players utilizes experimental theatrical methods to create devised works, which build the young actors’ craft and produce a unique experience for the audience.  Children, ages 8 to 16, construct their own scenes, choreograph dance segments, and work with diverse musical genres, all under general direction from Caroline Stine.”

Ms. Stine, a graduate of Highlands High School, received her Bachelor degree from Butler University, and her masters in Contemporary Performance from Naropa University in Boulder, CO. She received theatrical training in Italy and Russia and recently participated in the Crisis Arts Festival in Arezzo, Italy.   Also lending her talents to this unique show is Fort Thomas School District Spanish teacher Silvia McClamrock.  Mrs. McClamrock is a graduate Highlands High School and the University of Kentucky and holds a Masters in Education.

The Cliffview Players past performances include: Peter Pan (2008), Into the Woods (2010), The Shoes that were Dance to Pieces (2011), and The Maid of Orleans (2012).

I was lucky enough to see their production of Peter Pan as my sister channeled her inner Cathy Rigby in the staring role.  The show was absolutely amazing and even had their actors flying through the air as they utilized the world-renown Flying By Foy Company.  The actors are incredible and the direction by Stine is Tony Award worthy.  The city is fortunate to be able to claim the Cliffview Players, and we can’t wait to see their production of Romeo y Margarita.

To order tickets, please email cliffviewplayers@gmail.com. For more information please visit their Facebook page.