Stevenson High School’s Spartan Drama Presents Romeo and Juliet

Stevenson High School’s Spartan Drama program delivered a bold and emotionally charged production of Romeo and Juliet in December 2025, bringing new life to Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy. With three performances on December 5–6, 2025, the show lit up the Stevenson High School Performing Arts Center in Livonia with heartfelt student craftsmanship, standout performances, and a stunning visual design.

A Production Years in the Making

The choice to stage Romeo and Juliet was three years in the making—students had been requesting Shakespeare’s classic with enthusiasm, and in 2025, they finally got their wish. Under the leadership of Drama Director Brittany Dimmitt and Assistant Director Eli Cavaliero, the play became a truly student-centered artistic achievement.

From the set to the lighting to the costumes, students collaborated closely with their directors to build every element from scratch—supported by the program’s dedicated “theater dads,” whose craftsmanship helped bring 1400s Italy to life. The production used Shakespeare’s original text, with slight trimming for pace, allowing students to take on the language, themes, and emotional weight of one of theatre’s greatest works.

Performances & Ticket Information

Location: Stevenson High School Performing Arts Center, Livonia, MI

Tickets: Available online at seatyourself.biz/Stevenson or at the door. Adult tickets were $15.00; student/senior tickets were $12.00. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Standout Performances

The lead roles were carried with depth and passion by two rising stars:

• Romeo – Matthew Malamis (Junior) Returning to the spotlight after working behind the scenes on crew. A fun connection to his past: he played Tybalt five years ago with Motor City Youth Theater, making this role a special full-circle moment.
• Juliet – Makayla Segal (Sophomore) Makayla’s Juliet broke the mold. Instead of a fragile damsel, her portrayal captured the fire of a teenager determined to chart her own destiny.

Breaking Conventions and Building Confidence

The production embraced creative casting, with many female students stepping into traditionally male roles—complete with hand-crafted facial hair. This choice not only added character to the world onstage but also gave students a chance to explore new dimensions of performance.

A major favorite among the cast was the show’s stage combat. Professional fight choreographer Rob Wilson worked with the students to craft dynamic, safe, and visually exciting scenes that added dramatic intensity to the dueling families of Verona.

Looking Ahead: Anastasia in April

Spartan Drama’s momentum continues this spring with the musical Anastasia, slated for April. Students are already buzzing with excitement—and this production comes with an extra treat: a live student orchestra will accompany the cast, adding an enriching musical layer to the experience.

A Triumph for Livonia’s Young Artists

Stevenson High School’s Romeo and Juliet wasn’t just a play—it was a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and student-driven excellence. With its multilayered performances, beautifully constructed sets, and a clear passion from everyone involved, the production marked another shining moment for Livonia’s thriving arts community.