Down in the heart of Tempe, a new legend of the stage was created on March 24 at The New School for the Arts and Academics. 

This was the day that Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community student artist Alex Goodwin starred in the role of Mr. Hugh Fennyman during dress rehearsals for a stage play adaptation of “Shakespeare in Love.” 

All eyes were focused on the school’s performances on March 27 and 28 of the 1998 film of the same name, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and six other Academy Awards.

The role of Fennyman was made famous by Tom Wilkinson, an English actor known for his roles on the stage and screen. 

The film is a romantic comedy about William Shakespeare and his love affair with Viola de Lesseps during the writing of the play “Romeo and Juliet.” 

In the story, Fennyman is unruly and known as the money man. He helps fund Shakespeare’s newest play at a London theater called The Rose, owned by Philip Henslow. As the story progresses, it’s revealed that Henslow owes Fennyman money and a successful play would result in a hefty payday for Fennyman, which would also clear the debt Henslow owes Fennyman. In his own words, Fennyman says, “I am the money.” 

Later, Fennyman has a change of heart and transforms from a harsh businessman focused on only money into an eager and participating actor in Shakespeare’s play; he receives the role of an apothecary, someone who mixes potions and medicines. It’s a forerunner of today’s pharmacist. 

Fennyman is quick-witted, fierce and cunning with a lush voice that can travel miles—a perfect fit for Goodwin, as his booming voice joyfully danced throughout the campus’ auditorium stage during rehearsals like a future megastar. 

Goodwin’s commanding presence on stage was impressive as he consistently hit his marks and recited complex Shakespearean dialogue with ease, much to the delight of Goodwin’s teacher, Luke Young, M.Ed. 

The New School for the Arts and Academics was a Tempe concert venue in the 1990s called the Electric Ballroom, known by the people as “The music capital of the Southwest.”

Music legends such as Iggy Pop, Henry Rollins, Weezer, Social Distortion, the Cars and many more played sets when the location was a concert venue. Later, the venue closed and reopened as a public charter school in 2002. 

Presently, students can attend The New School for the Arts and Academics to further develop their artistic talents in music, theater, fashion and more as they approach their postsecondary educations. 

The school will be upcoming piano concerts, additional stage performances and a fashion show later this year. 

For more information on tickets or to receive information on how to enroll your student at The New School for the Arts and Academics, call (480) 481-9235.