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Hoosac Valley's new theater department is taking on a version the Bard's tragic romance this weekend, the first of three plays planned for this school year.
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New Hoosac Valley Theatre Department Performs 'Romeo & Juliet'

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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CHESHIRE, Mass. — The new Hoosac Valley Theatre Department takes the stage with "Romeo and Juliet" this weekend.
 
"We have decided to start a theater department and it is a brand-new department," said drama teacher Nicole Boyer. "We wanted to start off with a bang so we are doing ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ the greatest love story ever told."
 
In the past, Hoosac Valley has only done musicals. Boyer said many students are very interested in theater and wanted more options.
 
"They are very excited and they are really happy to do something different because we have only done musicals here so to have a real play for kids who don't like to sing is great," Boyer said.
 
Jordyn Carpenter, who plays Mercutio, said she has been involved in the school musicals ever since the seventh grade and is excited just to act more.   
 
"It is good that we are expanding into other parts of theater," she said. "We want to see more people take part in the arts because it is a cultural experience. To have a show and be committed to it from the audition to the final show gives you a sense of pride." 
 
Angelica Tanguay, who plays Juliet, said the school will now have three theatrical performances a year and she hopes the program expands. 
 
"It is more fun to have more than one show," she said. "It really is a great experience for everyone in it."
 
Boyer said 30 students are involved in the play and they have been rehearsing for eight weeks. The students are performing a version of the play adapted by Doug McClure that has more modern English. But Boyer said the play still stays true to William Shakespeare's original script.
 
Performances are Friday, Nov. 18, and Saturday, Nov. 19, in the school auditorium. Shows start at 7 and tickets are sold at the door.

Tags: high school production,   Hoosac Valley,   shakespeare,   

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Adams Sees No Races So Far

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — With less than a week left before nomination papers are due, there are currently no contested seats.
 
Only selectman incumbent John Duval has returned papers. Selectman Howard Rosenberg has decided not to seek re-election. 
 
Rosenberg, who was elected in 2021, said he has chosen not to run again to make room for younger candidates.
 
"I feel strongly, we need younger people running for public office,  as the future of our town lies within the younger  generation. The world is so fundamentally different today and rapidly changing to become even more so. I believe we need people who are less interested in trying to bring back the past, then in paving the way for a promising future. The younger generation can know that they can stay here and have a voice without having to leave for opportunities elsewhere," he said.
 
The only person to return papers so far is former member the board Donald Sommer. Sommer served as a selectman from 2007 to 2010 and before that was a member of the School Committee and the Redevelopment Authority. He ran unsuccessfully for selectman in 2019 and again in 2021 but dropped out of before the election.
 
Incumbent Moderator Myra Wilk and Town Clerk Haley Meczywor have returned papers for their respective positions.
 
Assessor Paula Wheeler has returned papers and incumbents James Loughman and Eugene Michalenko have returned papers for library trustees.
 
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