2014 Annual Shakespeare Competition for High School Students

Event Recap

On March 1st, eleven high school students faced a great challenge: each of them took the stage at Brookdale's Performing Arts Center and, without scenery, costumes or props, brought Shakespeare's words to life.  Each had practiced and prepared, each had studied and rehearsed, and all of them performed wonderfully.  It was the 24th annual Shakespeare Competition for high school students sponsored by the Monmouth County Branch of the English-Speaking union, and the stakes were high.  The winner will go on to a national competition at Lincoln Center in New York on May 4th - 6th, where the top prize will include an all-expenses paid trip to study acting in England.

Finalists in Monmouth County ESU Shakespeare Competition 2014:  left to right:   Alicia Moeller, Red Bank Regional High School;  Kelly Lozo, Middletown South High School;  Claire Gates, Holmdel High School; Suzie Hicks, Colts Neck High School; Mpho Manye, Glen Ridge High School

Despite the competition, the atmosphere among the students was mutually supportive.  Their audience included teachers, parents, and members of the ESU, as well as five theater professionals who served as expert judges.  Each student presented a sonnet and a short monologue.

Honorable Mention was awarded to two performances. Kelly Lozo from Middletown South (teacher Mr. Alexis Kozak) began with her back to the audience so she could turn and reveal her wicked Lady Macbeth summoning the spirits that "wait on nature's mischief."  Claire Gates of Holmdel (teacher Margaret McDonald) moved the audience with her performance of Dionyza from a lesser-known play, Pericles.

Third place, and a cash award, went to Alicia Moeller from Red Bank Regional (teacher Joseph Russo) for her sweet Portia, allowing herself to be surprised by the depth of her own feelings as she speaks them.  Suzie Hicks of Colts Neck (teacher Allyson Descy) took second place with her charming and humorous Phoebe from As You Like It, mocking a love-sick suitor for claiming her eyes have slain him.

First place went to a powerful, yet quietly restrained rendition of Shylock from The Merchant of Venice by Mpho Manye of Glen Ridge (teacher Matthew Cannici).  Mpho gained valuable experience when he won an Honorable Mention in last year's competition, and showed his tenacity by returning with an even stronger performance this year.

Mpho will enter the National competition in May, but you needn't go so far nor wait so long to see him.  He, Suzie, and Allison will repeat their performances at Bingham Hall in Rumson, on March 23rd at 3 pm, when the ESU will host a Spring Tea, open to the public.  Join us there for refreshments and to see these excellent young people act!  For details contact the branch president, Richard Biernacki, at monmouthesupres@verizon.net

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