Portland, Maine, Young Actors Competing to Become State and New England Champions

One of the greatest parts about New England, aside from delicious food, picturesque sites, amazing beaches and lakes, and just overall reeking of awesome, is that we're one of the most sarcastic areas in the country.

And while the sarcasm exists no matter what New England state you're from or currently live in, the sarcasm may ooze most in Maine. If you know, you know -- Mainers are real salt of the earth people.

Like, to the point that if you call yourself a Mainer and you're not actually a Mainer, Mainers will call you out on it and rip you apart about it. Sure, it's confusing, and yes, it can be eyeroll-inducing, but it's also just part of the charm.

And the topic of sarcasm in Maine is being highlighted because there's an opportunity to see it in action at a championship level with some Maine youngsters.

Deering High School Drama

Drama is more than just a club to take part in as a student throughout Maine -- it's actually a highly competitive team to join and win honors from. And there may be no students who know that more than the drama students at Deering High School, known as The Deering Players.

READ MORE: Did You Know The Porthole Was Once Featured in a Movie?

Recently, the Deering Players took home the Class A Regional title at the Maine Drama Festival in Saco back on March 8 and 9.

The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet

The Deering Players, advised by 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year, Joshua Chard, secured their Class A Regional title (and five additional awards) by performing a one act, 30-minute version of The Seussificiation of Romeo and Juliet, a satire play, according to a Deering Players member's parent, that pokes fun at both Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss.

Their next stop is the Maine Drama Festival Class A Finals, which go down on March 22 and 23 in Rockport, Maine (The Deering Players will perform on Saturday, March 23, at 2:30p, according to the Deering High School website.)

There's a chance for a sneak peek of their Class A Regional (and possibly Class A Final)-winning performance on Wednesday, March 20, which is also a chance to help fundraise for The Deering Players' upcoming competition(s), as well.

According to the Deering High School website, the Wednesday, March 20 performance of The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet by The Deering Players will happen at Deering High at 6p that evening, and is open to the public.

And, interestingly enough, it seems to be a free performance, with the encouragement to make a donation of any kind as you walk through the doors.

Tickets are pay-what-you-can. All proceeds benefit the Deering Players.

A parent of one of the Deering Players gave a little insight into the fundraising needed for the upcoming performances.

They are desperate for some fundraising for the hopes of staying in Camden [for the Class A Finals], the possibilty of taking first at States and going into New England's and having to get a hotel in Mass.

Break a leg, Deering Players! Here's to turning Portland into a dramatic title town that all of New England will give a Standing O to!