In the ancient world, Rome was the undeniable center of commerce, culture, ingenuity and military might.
However, the Oxford Middle School Drama Club is preparing to offer audiences a rare glimpse into the once-great empire’s wackier side ? and it’s definitely not something you’d find in a history book.
On Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 at the OHS Performing Arts Center., the student actors and actresses will perform ‘The Last Gladiator,? a comedic play full of clever plot twists, fast-paced dialogue and physical humor.
Director Jack Gray chose the play because he’s ‘a big fan of the Roman times.?
‘It’s not really all that historically accurate, but it’s a lot of fun,? he said. ‘It’s got a lot of great moments for middle schoolers to really shine. It’s very funny. It’s very lighthearted. The kids are really having a great time and just kind of running with it.?
Set in the days when a city on the Tiber River in Italy was master of the known world, the play depicts all the high jinks and wild antics that ensue while the emperor is away at war with almost all the senators and other men of Rome.
To start with, the marketplace gets ransacked by Gladius, Minimus and Julia, a trio of thieves played by Evan Tazzia, Wesley McBride and Jenna Duronio.
The senators? wives ? Impella (Maryann Stockard), Veralina (Jessie Ojeda), Sasilla (Sammi Kurk) and Laffina (Olivia Wagonlander) ? are busy inventing silly promotions to raise war-time funds.
And the feminist princess, played by Rachael Crain, is searching for a husband.
If she can’t find one, her father, the emperor (played by Levi Raab), has decreed she must marry the last gladiator standing in the upcoming games.
Audiences will howl with laughter as Gladius goes from petty crook to gladiator when the princess trains him to compete in the games against the deadly Brudis (played by Aaron Smith), a massive gladiator not known for his intellect.
If Gladius wins, the princess can avoid marrying Brudis.
If Gladius loses, well, that’s the end of Gladius.
Hilarity ensues when Minimus and Julia’s plan to rig the games in Gladius? favor backfires on them.
While all this is going on, Senator Altilis (played by AdaMara Lowe), a top-ranking member of the imperial senate, cowardly draft-dodger and first-class schemer, is pressuring the princess to put him in charge of the home front.
He’ll do anything to keep the headstrong princess from sticking her royal nose in the empire’s affairs.
Hold on to your togas because you’ve never seen ancient Rome like this before ? except maybe in a Mel Brooks? movie.
Tickets for the play are $5 for adults. Students accompanying adults will be admitted for free.
Both the May 1 and 2 performances start promptly at 7:01 p.m., so load everybody into the family chariot and don’t be late.
‘It’s the first time we’ve ever tried two performances, so we’ll see how that goes,? Gray said. ‘We’re hoping to get a nice turnout.?
Gray said it’s important to support the kids now because they’ll be the ones putting on the shows in high school.
‘Really, drama club in middle school is all about the kids getting comfortable on stage, having a good time and getting the chance to perform in front of other people,? he said. ‘They don’t have this everywhere. It’s a really good experience for kids.?