Richland High brings Brothers Grimm tales to life in comedy ‘spectaculathon’

Nathan Ramsey has taken on roles in everything from Romeo and Juliet to Bye Bye Birdie.

And starting next week, the 17-year-old senior at Richland High School will be adding some other parts to his list. He plays several characters in Richland High’s production of The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, which opens Oct. 23 at the school.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Oct. 23-24 and 30-31.

“I think it’s really cool to be another person, and to act out the emotions that maybe people don’t normally express,” said Ramsey, whose parts include Prince 1, the Father and the Actor.

Audience members can expect a good time, he said.

“This show is really funny. It’s kind of crazy and all over the place. There’s some audience interaction,” Ramsey told the Herald.

The play is something of a madcap mash-up of famous Grimm tales from Rapunzel to Cinderella.

Erin Ballo, the school’s drama director, said the cast is a talented bunch — from more veteran actors like Ramsey to ones newer to the stage.

“It’s a good, quality show that we’re ready to put on,” she said.

Like Ramsey, fellow senior Trae Taylor is set to play multiple parts, including a narrator.

Taylor performed in productions in Othello before moving to Richland High this year. He likes transforming into another person when he takes the stage, the 18-year-old said.

“You can be someone else, and you don’t have to be embarrassed,” Taylor said, describing Spectaculathon as a twist on the classic Grimm tales.

“If the audience doesn’t laugh, I’ll be surprised,” he said.

Tickets are $8 for general admission and $6 for students and seniors. They’re available at the door.

Richland High is at 930 Long Ave.

This story was originally published October 15, 2015 at 10:45 AM with the headline "Richland High brings Brothers Grimm tales to life in comedy ‘spectaculathon’."