Romeo and Juliet by Haema

The Unorthodox Romeo and Juliet

Nonconformist and unorthodox are only a few words to describe the performance of Romeo and Juliet. With only six members the troop enacted the whole play regardless of their individual genders. This unconventional style of acting started right at the beginning of the show. Initially, the actors and actresses went out into the audience to make the audience pick what roles each actor and actress would play. This action, as said from the actors themselves, makes the audience more connected with the actors while they take this journey through Shakespeare’s play and characters.

In our case, we had a man playing Romeo and a woman as Juliet. However, we also had a woman playing Father Capulet and the priest, and men playing the nurse and Lady Capulet. Hence, even though we had some fairly common gender abiding roles, there were exceptions of this. Even the actors stated that sometimes they are not allowed to play roles on a whim, for fear (in more conservative areas) that similar sexes might be playing Romeo and Juliet.

Regardless of the specific sex playing a role, the same vibe of the character, intended to be played, comes out. Since the actors and actresses don’t know what role they might be, they must know the whole play by heart. Thus, this makes the actors and actresses exceptional in their capabilities to perform to in such a challenging way. They even told us, that if you see one person playing the Nurse one night and you see another person playing the Nurse another night there are going to be differences in how they interpret the character. This variety adds depth to their performance.

It was so interesting seeing what we had read in 10th grade come to life on the stage, just like how Shakespeare intended for it to be done. With minimal sets and costumes the words on the pages came began to move. I understood scenes that never made sense before, and I learned that there was a lot more humor in the play then I had known of.

All in all the untraditional way of performing Romeo and Juliet brought the audience closer to the performance, broke conservative ideas about role playing, showed the amazing abilities of the actors and actresses, and brought to life the play that all of us read in 10th grade. This representation of Romeo and Juliet will always be in my memory. For I am fairly certain that I will not witness such different and neat methods of performing anytime soon.

The Phantom of the Opera by Aaron

One of the most popular and outstanding Broadway shows of all time is “The Phantom of the Opera.” The costumes, lighting, acting, and props were all wonderful features of this show. The costumes were very colorful and elegant. It was obvious that a lot of time and effort was put forth in the creation of the costumes. It’s amazing how quickly they were able to change in these elegant costumes. I’m sure that Velcro was widely used throughout the show. One of my favorite scenes and songs contains amazing costumes which is Masquerade. Each person has a completely different and unique costume. The costumes were an amazing feature to the show.

The lighting and props made the show even better. Lighting was used to put spotlight on people, and add color to represent things like water, and evil. Sparks, gunfire, and smoke were widely used throughout the performance. The sparks and explosions they used were amazing and added great effectiveness to the show. The show couldn’t have gone on without the props. The props were very well done and looked very realistic. The lighting, props, and other special effects were what created the show.

The acting was very well done for the most part. The actress and actor who played Christine Daae and the phantom did a wonderful job. Except for Christine Daae’s step-sister in my opinion did a poor job. She sang very quickly and added a weird twang to her voice when she spoke. Overall, the acting was done very well.

The show was fantastic. No other show can compare to the greatest Broadway show of all time, “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Romeo and Juliet by Brittany

This performance was so captivating from the beginning to the end. With the start being the actors, which there were only six of announcing that every one of them knew each part and that we would be deciding who would play each. I thought this made you get even deeper into the story and helped the audience feel like they were a part of “the action”. It also provided for the play to be able to take on a slightly different character. An example is how in our version the nurse was played by a man who made a few parts in this piece more comical than they could or would have been.

Another key to the play was how like in the day of Shakespeare they didn’t use scenery or props. It was left up to the viewers’ imagination. And also helped to shoe case the actors’ true skills, because they have to be able to really bring things to live, which each of these actors was undoubtedly able to. They were able to make you picture the octagon stage as a balcony, a garden, even a church.

One thing though that I did notice is that if you have read this story before, which I have, is that your able to pick up on a few more details and it really helped to understand, being there was no backdrop to help guide you through. However I truly enjoyed this version of Romeo and Juliet. I had heard it was a different style and was going to be a more modern show. Although it was different it was still the same a classic, tragedy. I recommend is show to anyone and not only to go once but twice which I would love going again just to see it in that slightly different light. However I would also recommend that if your going to go and see this play that you take some time to read the story, so you can pick up on those key things and you can have a deeper understanding of what is going on no matter who plays whom.

Romeo and Juliet by Holland

"Two houses, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene."
"De rotura antigua del resentimiento al nuevo motín,
Cuando sea civil la sangre hace las manos civiles sucias."
"En avant de l'échine mortelle de la paire de ces deux ennemis
A de tenez le premier rôle-cross'd la prise d'amoureux leur vie;"
البروز مخيفة من هم يحكم حالة حبّ
والاستمراريّ من والدهم غيظ"
"Vilka, men deras barn avslutar, ingenting kunde ta bort,
Nu de två timmarnas äger rum kapacitet av vårt arrangerar;"
"The which if you with patient ears attend,
What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend."


Shakespeare is timeless. His work transcends language, culture, setting, race. Romeo and Juliet, especially, is a play that has captivated audiences for centuries and will continue to do so for years to come. It deals with star-crossed lovers, lovers from feuding families, who seemingly cannot be together, but nevertheless conspire to do so, with a tragic ending.

Societies all over the world have variations on the theme of Romeo and Juliet. Manju and Layla in Persia, Tristan and Yseult in Wales, Hagbard and Signy in Scandanavia, and many more. Shakespeare is known for appealing to universal themes, and the theme of doomed lovers is one as ancient as humanity itself, yet as modern as possibly can be. Even now, new stories in that vein are being created: West Side Story, Moulin Rouge, and the Chinese opera 'Butterfly Lovers'.

The performance we had the privelige of seeing was astounding. They transgressed the bonds of gender and age to produce a performance that was both familiar and new. They interpreted the text with grace, and while several minor characters were removed, the play flowed seamlessly from one scene to the next.

I have had the opportunity to see them before, and I recall with mirth how well they performed both Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night's Dream, the latter of which was part of a 'Three Nights, Three Companies, One Play' event where three different companies gave their interpretations of one play.

I hope the company comes through Ames again soon, as I love their style. Maybe next time, they'll do another of the great romances, or a comedy. Whatever they perform, you can be sure that I'll be there, applauding.

Romeo and Juliet by Jo

Before the performance, I was really unsure of what it would be like. Last year, for English, I read Romeo and Juliet, and I really disliked it. I enjoyed the story, but I hated the confusing language. I didn’t know if the play would use the same language or create something different based solely on the storyline. Because it seemed that much of the script was directly from the book, the show, most unfortunately, was only mildly entertaining.

The connection between the fate of star-crossed lovers and the fate of which actor plays which character was very creative. I was impressed by the originality of the thematic connection. Also impressive was the fact that each actor learned every part. If any of them forgot their lines, it was completely imperceptible. The acting was very good, at least to my untrained eye. The portrayal of emotions was outstanding and the versatility of each actor between characters was incredible.

The language unfortunately made the play very boring. I understand that it’s the way the original was written, but I still found it very drab. The costumes, most assumedly were purposefully designed, were curious. I’m assuming there’s some kind of reasoning behind the lack of detailing or color, but I found them to be quite lifeless. Maybe it is so the audience will pay less attention to their attire and focus more on the dialogue, thus only being for the purpose of character distinction.

Overall, the experience was not a bad one. It hasn’t been my favorite theatrical performance, but it was bearable. The improvisational aspect was an interesting twist and the skill of the performers was very impressive.

Turtle Island String Quartet by Ashley

The Turtle Island Quartet was not what I was expecting. I went to the performance thinking that I would actually enjoy this show, because I loved the Moscow Symphony. I was wrong. It was entirely different. It was more of a modern pop edge to it and I guess that just isn’t my type of music. There was more than once I found myself checking my watch and that hasn’t happened in the past performances.

However, I could really tell that these guys worked well with each other, which is obviously a big key to their success. While we were all talking after the performance there was one question that was passed over that I found a little humorous. They were asked who the leader was an all of them kind of looked around at each other and started to talk about different aspects of each other and I would say they recovered well.

The performance was in the Fisher building which was very small and intimate. They tried to make it like a jazz club and for me it just didn’t quite make it. It was nice though, for this performance to be in a smaller area. Otherwise it wouldn’t’ have been easy to hear the band or to watch the performers, which was entertaining.

Although they were very good, I just don’t like this style of music. It’s probably safe to say that I won’t be attending any more string quartets.

Turtle Island String Quartet by Kendra

When I first heard about this performance that we were going to I wasn’t too excited. Jazz music is not really my type of thing, so I thought that I would have to sit through some really long and boring ordeal. But once again, I proved myself wrong, I did enjoy this performance and what the musicians had to offer, although I probably wouldn’t go to another jazz concert this one was pretty good. The atmosphere was very relaxing and informal. I really liked how the performers talked about the songs and gave some background on it before they played. Also another thing that I appreciated is that the musicians had personality and you could tell because it came out in the way that they spoke before they played and also after the performance when we had the question and answer time.

One thing that I learned about myself from the performance is that you should always try new things because you never know how they will turn out. Even if you don’t think that you will not like it you should at least give it a shot. You never will know what will happen or become of it.

The question and answer time was okay. I think that the performers gave a little to long of responses especially considering the weather and how late that it was at night. The food provided after the show was very good as always, and I must say that I am very grateful for it and it seems that I am always hungry after the performances.

I think that if I knew someone who really liked jazz then I would recommend this to them. I could see how it would be very interesting to someone who knew what the performances where saying and could laugh at the music jokes they made. It’s not really my generation’s type of thing, so I probably wouldn’t recommend it to any of my friends.

Turtle Island String Quartet by Amy

Going into Turtle Island, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had never been in that particular theater before, and after I saw the size of it, I was surprised at how few people could fit there. During the show however, I Realized that having such a small space was actually best for this performance. The space made the show feel intimate and relaxed. The Quartet even seemed relaxed. Their laid-back style definitely enhanced the show. I liked how bare it was; all they were doing was playing their music. All they needed was their instruments and four chairs. They didn’t need to add special effects or cool lighting. I think this really shows how talented they are.

Another aspect I enjoyed was how they utilized their instruments. They used them as drums, which I thought was really interesting. When they first introduced one member of the quartet as the percussionist, I looked around for the drums. It completely took me by surprise when I realized that he didn’t need drums, he already had everything he needed. It was very interesting and added a new depth to the performance.

Turtle Island was more than I expected it to be. It was amazing! I’m not usually a jazz fan or listener, but the performance kept me entertained. I loved the way they talked with us like we were friends. I also enjoyed watching their chemistry together. The entire group was very connected and had a lot of energy. You have o know each other very well, as well as feel comfortable with your performance to achieve that energy level. Turtle Island String Quartet is definitely a group I would go see again. The music was amazing and the group was fun to watch. I really enjoyed myself that evening.

Turtle Island String Quartet by Anna

I really enjoyed the Turtle Island Quartet. My expectations towards the quartet weren’t too high, seeing as they were playing at 9:20 and I was afraid I might fall asleep. They proved me wrong, for it was very entertaining and I enjoyed the music a lot. I loved how they didn’t just sit there and play, but they interacted with each other and the audience and moved along with the song. It made it worthwhile to watch, because sometimes when you would watch people playing music, it’s boring to watch and you’d rather just listen to it on cd, but they made it interesting to watch. I found it fascinating how they can make their string instruments sound like any other instrument. There were times when they sounded very similar to a saxophone or the drums. I play the piano and sometimes I play pieces that are made for orchestras or string instruments and you have to play differently to make it sound like you’re playing that instrument. It’s a really cool thing to get to do and it makes playing an instrument more enjoyable when you’re able to do different things with it and produce different sounds.

I also liked how it was pretty informal and how they connected with the audience in asking us questions and joking around with us. That kept me focused and was interesting. I like how they introduced the pieces they were playing before they played them and told us a little bit about the piece.

I enjoyed hearing about them after the show too. It’s great how close they are and I think that’s what makes the show great, because they all work together nicely. They were very nice and humorous when talking with us which made it enjoyable. I found it interesting to hear that Mads Tolling gave up some big career thing (I can’t remember what it was exactly), to be in this quartet. He said his parents weren’t too pleased, but he did it because he really wanted to be in this quartet. That shows that these guys really love doing what they do and being with each other. I found that to be really cool. I think that these guys have great talent and will go very far in life.

Turtle Island String Quartet by Hannah

Before reading about the Turtle Island string quartet, I really wasn’t sure if I was going to like it or not. I thought it would probably be some regular quartet that played classical pieces, and hoped that it would be of a high caliber like the Moscow symphony so it would keep my attention. When I found out that they played jazz however, I was both thrilled and nervous at the same time. I had never heard jazz played by only strings before, so I figured it would probably either be really cool sounding or just be classical versions of jazz songs (which would probably be very painful to hear). I was hoping for the former.

Well my fears were eased once they played their first piece which is probably one of my favorites of the ones they played. The playful atmosphere astounded me as they took turns soloing and improvising, almost jumping out of their chairs with excitement. I was even more impressed when the cellist started his solo. I think he was by far my favorite instrumentalist of the group. I loved the way he not only used his cello for “bass-line” purposes or bowing melodies, he also used it as a percussion instrument and was able to integrate it with his other playing. But most of all it was the energy that got me hooked, despite their somewhat awkward sense of humor. Their ability to have fun on stage while doing a great job is what impressed me the most. It definitely has helped me in thinking about my own performance skills. I guess I never realized to the extent I did after this how important it is to have a stage presence.

The talking afterward was also a good experience for me, especially since I discovered that 2 of the men had gone to Berklee College of Music which is a college that I am looking at. It was fun to see the dynamic between the musicians and how they could still have fun with each other after being together for so long. I think it increased my desire to be in a band of my own. It is amazing how the talent of one person can be brought out so much better with the help of others. I would definitely suggest this quartet to any of my jazz-loving friends, and maybe even to my classical music-loving friends. Actually I think I would suggest this quartet to anyone.

Turtle Island String Quartet by Brittany

This performance was also another one for the record. By no means was it what I was expecting, in fact it was at lest ten times better than I thought it would be. I was set into thinking this was just going to be a long drawn out event, not a boring one just not something I would really be too interested in for a long period of time. However it was the exact opposite. Although I’ve never heard any songs by Miles Davis, or if I have I’m just unable to recall them, the performers brought it to life was wonderful. Sure, there were a couple of pieces that I found hard to stay into but overall it was great.

The musicians also helped in giving this performance it’s live. The way they interacted with us, the audience, was very entertaining and enjoyable. Also the way they moved to the music. The more they got into the song they were doing the more you wanted to get into it also. Another fact I found to be interesting about these performers is how they come from all over and are still able to show so much passion in the same “field”.

Something that I truly enjoyed also was hearing all the different sounds and ways these four men could play their instruments. The one question that I really wanted an answer to but was unable to get was how one of the members was able to create the sound of drums on his instrument. I found it so interesting that they could create so much with the “same” set up each time. After listening and experiencing this show it’s opened my view more into this type of music. I really enjoyed it and if this group is ever able to return I hope I will be able to go back to see them and maybe introduce some more people to the sounds of The Turtle Island String Quartet.

MILES DAVIS REINCARNATED INTO BODIES OF FOUR JAZZMEN by Holland

Audiences at Fisher Theatre in Ames were astonished when the Turtle Island String Quartet performed a stunning tribute to legendary jazz musician Miles Davis. "It was like he was reincarnated," Holland Dougherty, a student at Gilbert High, stated. "It was like listening to my dad's old records...but live!"

The players were indeed joking, and a jovial feeling was in the air. Snippets of modern music were also heard, intermixed with the flowing, freestyle jazz. "I could've sworn I hear the Jaws theme....and I know I heard a bit of the Twilight Zone theme," Dougherty said, grinning. "I thought a string quartet meant classical music....not that I don't like classical music, mind. I just didn't expect jazz, that's for sure."

The small, intimate setting of Fisher Theatre was the perfect background for the elegant mastery of Balakrishnan, Price, Tolling, and Summer. It was a very unhurried, cozy performance, with plenty of improv and scat, hallmarks of Davis's style. The quartet recieved three standing ovations, as well.

"I even managed to get the autographs of the Quartet for my dad, who's a big fan," Dougherty added, brandishing the signed program. "He was in Cedar Rapids on business, and couldn't come, but I know he'll like the autographs. I really had a great evening and hope they come to Ames again soon."

Turtle Island String Quartet by Elizabeth

As I read the basic information about the Turtle Island Quartet I pictured myself listening to the sounds similar to the orchestra we had heard a few months earlier. From the first song I realized that this quartet was nothing like the traditional sounding string ensemble.

With every piece played I found myself entertained by the new and different sounds that came out of each instrument. The percussion sounds from the cello always amazed me. As the performance went on I became more attentive to the actions of the musicians and began to notice how much they enjoyed what they were doing. Their approving nods and the occasional shouts of excitement called attention to the music and appreciate what was being played.

After seeing their enthusiasm for their music I was excited to hear about their experiences as musicians. I found it interesting to hear how each member had come to be involved in their style of music and their background as musicians. It surprised me that the two founding members originally played different instruments and styles of music. The background information and the insight into their lives that they shared with us helped me to appreciate the style of music they shared with us.

Although this style of music isn’t my favorite, I now understand more about it and appreciate the artists who devote their time to create and share their music. I may consider going to more shows like this because I enjoy watching the performers created music they enjoy.

Turtle Island String Quartet by Elisa

I enjoyed the jazz quartet so much. I didn't know they were going to playjazz, but it was so much fun. I loved the way the musicians encorperatedwith the audience. They also had a sense of humor which made the experiencemore enjoyable. I also loved the music. I like jazz music a lot. I thoughtit was very enjoyable.

Turtle Island String Quartet by Madeline

I liked this performance very much—before Turtle Island, I never would have believed that a violin could be made to sound like a saxophone. But after seeing this talented quartet perform, I know that it's not only possible, it should be done more often. The quartet was able to use their instruments in new and creative ways, and it was enjoyable to watch. I liked the Miles Davis tribute, even though I'm not sure what the jazz legend would have thought of his music being played on string instruments more often associated with stuffy concert halls than smoky jazz bars. But Turtle Island pulled it off, and the performance was very entertaining, both to listen to and to see. My first impressions as the performance began were that I had never heard a performance like this before. The sound was unique and unexpected. When I left, I was impressed by the entire show and the way the musicians were able to make their instruments mimic the jazz sound so well. My favorite aspect of the performance was the improvisational parts. My least favorite was the fact that the performance started at 9:30 pm – I had a little trouble staying awake. I would describe the performance to my friends exactly as it had been: four people playing jazz on string instruments and making it work. From the speakers, I learned that the quartet had been around for a long time, and that it had started with different members. This surprised me, as I had assumed that the four performers we saw had started the quartet. I didn’t learn anything about myself from this experience.