Middle school theater reimagines Hamlet with a modern twist

Last weekend, our auditorium was transformed into a stage of creativity, laughter and collaboration as middle school students presented their own unforgettable take on Hamlet. Families, classmates, teachers and friends filled the seats on Friday and Saturday evening to witness a Shakespearean classic—reimagined with energy, humor and heart.

The show began in traditional form, with all the gravity and poetry of Shakespeare’s language. But then came an unexpected shift. Horatio, played by Grade 7’s Samuel, broke the fourth wall and confessed that the original English was losing the audience. In that moment, the production veered in a new direction—Mr. Cassel was “called in” mid-scene to modernize the script and inject comedy, all while staying true to the story’s essence. From that point on, the show was filled with lighthearted twists and witty interpretations that had the audience laughing and fully engaged.

Reflecting on the experience, Theater Director Mr. Cassel shared, “Mr. Lenehan’s enthusiasm and years of drama teaching took us to the next level. I’m incredibly proud of the students—from performers to stagehands to those working double duty in the tech booth. They grew so confident in their roles that, by showtime, I could step back and let them run it. That’s how a great production should be.”

This performance showcased not only our students’ growing talent in drama but also their teamwork, problem-solving, and courage to try something new. Bravo to our entire cast and crew for bringing Hamlet to life in a way that was both meaningful and entertaining. And thank you to our supportive community who came out to cheer them on—we couldn’t have done it without you.

More photos here