Allendale November 23, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 Persistence pays Dan Gutman, author of more than 80 children’s books, visited Brookside and Hillside schools, in Allendale. The visit, made possible by the support of the Allendale Parent Teacher Organization, gave students the opportunity to hear first-hand what it is like to write a novel. Gutman showed students dozens of rejection letters and encouraged students to have confidence and never give up. In honor of his ‘My Weird School’ series, students at Hillside dressed in their wackiest outfits. Gutman also autographed his books for the students. The Northern Highlands Theater Company’s fall production will be “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead,” an absurd comedy by Tom Stoppard. The play focuses on the exploits of two minor characters from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the courtiers Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. The action of Stoppard’s play takes place mainly in the wings of “Hamlet.” In essence, the audience observes what goes on when these courtiers are waiting to be called by King Claudius, waiting to meet with Hamlet, and waiting to see the play that catches Claudius’ attention. At times, they encounter Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, and Polonius when they wander into the space where Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are trapped awaiting their next directive. As a result of being so out of control of their own destiny, the two protagonists voice their confusion at the progress of events for which they have no direct knowledge. Eventually, their conversation turns to the meaning of life, games, the existence of God, and whether life in a box is better than no life at all. The Northern Highlands production features Tom Kiely as Rosencrantz, Colin Verhoff as Guildenstern, Avery Banks as the Thespians produce comedy Player, and Olivia Norton, Larissa Marten, Blair Cagney, Jarrett Askin, and Joe Tremainis as the tragedians. Rounding out the cast are Billy Tsadilas as Hamlet, Brittany DiNardo as Queen Gertrude, Chris McGovern as King Claudius, Colleen Wright as Ophelia, Joe Baez as Polonius, Nick Puig as Horatio, and Simona Levingart, Nicole Lauricella, Colin Cole, and Daniel McEntee as courtiers. Directors Laura Rokoszak and Joe Kiely are being assisted by Student Director Andrew Rokoszak. Producer Lisa Hayne is being assisted by Student Producer Emma Munro. Doreen Albano and Grace Henderson are the graphic designers, Patrick Brennan and Frank Gilli are technical coordinators, and Buzz Inglima is stage manager. Throughout the performance, Jake Schwartz, Eric Benoit, and Yuyoung Lee provide live music. “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” will be performed in Hopkins Hall at Northern Highlands Regional High School, 298 Hillside Avenue in Allendale, Dec. 1, 2, and 3 at 7 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door for $10 for adults and $5 for students. Senior citizens will be admitted free of charge.