Staff photo by Fritz Busch Juliet (Josie Stade), left, is pictured with the nurse who raised her (Carly Wenninger), center, and her mother, Lady Capulet (Bronwyn Schlagel).

NEW ULM — Romeo and Juliet, two young lovers from feuding families, secretly marry, but their love is tragically cut short due to misunderstandings and the families’ ongoing conflict.

Presented by New Ulm High School at 7 p.m. Friday, April 4 and 2 and 7 p.m. April 5, this version of the show is an adaptation of what has been called Shakespeare’s most beloved work, is set during the American Revolution. The Capulets are British loyalists. The Montagues are rebels.

Director Samarah Forster of Sleepy Eye said she wanted to create a new experience with Romeo and Juliet so she decided to perform the 1776 adaptation of Shakespeare’s most beloved work in Old English. She’s quick to say the cast has risen to the challenges of the production.

“These kids are so talented. I’m just super proud of them.They’ve put in so much,” she said. “It’s a been a different experience with Shakespeare. It’s like learning a new language. It took few a few weeks to translate the whole script. I wanted something new and exciting and this is it, a play with name recognition and sword fighting, which is what boys want.”

“We started practicing in January. We’ve juggled rehearsal schedules with athletics, but when these kids come to rehearse, they come to work,” said Forster.

She’s has been busy, working on seven other plays besides teaching dance at her new business in downtown Sleepy Eye.

Senior Josie Stade, who plays Juliet, talked about the play.

“I think it’s a cool production. So many adaptations have been done. Actors and actresses put their own spin on it, making it their own. But it’s easier to ad-lib lines because it’s Shakespeare,” she said.

“It seemed daunting at first, but putting the set and costumes together really got us into character, making it easier to do,” said senior Henry Waloch who plays Romeo.

Senior Amanda Vogel (Sister Laurence) described why she enjoys the play.

“I’m really excited. It’s my last show. It’ll be bittersweet when its over. I’m excited for people to come and see the show,” she said.

Senior Carly Wenninger (nurse wo raised Juliet) talked about the play.

“It’s been an experience to put it together. The memories are great. I think it’ll be a great last show for the seniors,” she said.

Junior Everett Brown (Lord Capulet, Juliet’s father) talked about the play.

“It’s a really neat production. Taking a classic production and setting it during the Revolutionary War with all the weapons, costumes that fit the period and Old English is neat,” he said.

Besides the singing, a marching band with a flute and several drummers help set the stage.

Cast members include Henry Waloch as Romeo, Hunter Dauer, Lord Montague; Kelsey Grosam, Lady Montague; Warren Peterson, Benvolio; Carmen Schotzko, Balthasar; Elisha Norway, Abraham; Josie Stade, Juliet; Bronwyn Schlagel, Lady Capulet; Everett Brown, Lord Capulet; Carly Wenninger, nurse; and Katelyn Schumacher, Tybalt.

Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. Adults are $7, students $5. Senior citizens are free. Activity passes are accepted.