Lake County Gazette

Mundelein Theatre is set to present “Something Rotten!” from Thursday, April 24 through Saturday, April 26 at Mundelein High School.

The musical, which has gained popularity over the past decade and is now available for high school productions, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on April 24 and 25, and at 2 p.m. on April 26. Tickets are priced at $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for students. They can be purchased online at www.mundeleintheatre.org until two hours prior to each performance or at the door 45 minutes before each show (cash or check only).

Set in 1595, “Something Rotten!” follows the story of the Bottom brothers, Nick (Alex Benassi) and Nigel (Finn Trackman), as they strive to establish themselves in the theatrical world overshadowed by William Shakespeare (Hayden Gates). In their quest to surpass Shakespeare's fame, they endeavor to create the world's first musical.

Director Jonathan Meier said of the production: “This show is pure, unadulterated fun. But it also has a big heart, with a great message of staying true to yourself. ”

The play features numerous references to both Shakespearean works and musical theatre. Benassi remarked on the rehearsal process: “Rehearsing this show has been quite a journey. Not only have we learned to tap dance, but we also had to figure out all the musical theatre and Shakespeare references. It was a lot of fun. ”

This production marks Director Meier's final show with Mundelein Theatre as he retires after 21 years at MHS.

The cast includes Kelly McQuillan (Bea), Lia Kagan (Portia), Vesta Albano (Nostradamus), Achilles Kim (Brother Jeramiah), Brendan Niernberg (Shylock), Sylv Pacis (Lord Clapham), Ellory Duval (Minstrel), Nahomy Benitez (Peter Quince), Stella Buisson (Tom Snout), Aedan Hogan (Robin), and Jasmine Tigley (Snug). The remainder of the ensemble features Ronnie Anguiano, Aubry Bierer, Julie Brenner, Suzie Brown, Conner Bui, Diana Cuevas, Adren Delos Santos, Harley DiMarcantonio, Parker Dumalski, Araceli Faudoa, Arlo Fingerhut, Madelyn Fingerhut, Daniel Fishel, Michelle Frane Andy Gallup Ella Gallup Arianna Garcia Sofia Gomez Xavion Haynes Isabella Hofer Mia Joshi Riley Kuhn Kayla Lomillo Kai McHugh Sara McHugh Miranda Michler Graham Ney Shadow Reid Mason Rupczynski Kady Schubert Sophia Tatevosian Layla Trahan.

Production stage managers are Mari Hoover and Makenna Wald.

Featured from left to right: Lia Kagan (Portia), Finn Trackman (Nigel), Alex Benassi (Nick), Kelly McQuillan (Bea).