Put on beautifully by the Marist cast members, directors, tech crew, and teachers, Something Rotten, written by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, was performed in Woodruff Auditorium from March 21 through March 23.
Something Rotten is a theatrical play that transports the audience into the lives of a rag-tag team of two brothers living in the era of the Renaissance. This pair, performed by Marshall Cain and Jayce Malec, are desperate to find success in playwriting but are repeatedly rejected whilst competing against the one-and-only William Shakespeare.
Shakespeare was performed by Brennan Ujda, whose captivating dance moves, demeanor, and stage presence beautifully portrayed the innovative writer of the Renaissance that Shakespeare was. The suave characteristics of this Renaissance icon were pleasantly balanced against the hopeless romance between Portia and Nigel, a couple of star-crossed lovers who bonded over their love of poetry.
Portia’s father is a strict Puritan who condemns his daughter’s interest in struggling playwrights like Nigel Bottom. His disapproval, however, is simply not enough for Portia to remain in solitude, leading her to many secret meetings with the struggling poet in the night hours.
Every detail of this production, such as the careful staging of night and day through through the use of lighting and props, was pulled off by the tech crew with tremendous care.
The behind-the-scenes preparation for a performance like this takes months of planning. All crew members working on set pieces and costume would graciously stay after hours to ensure that every detail was executed the way they had envisioned.
Of course, all cast members spent hours each day and night rehearsing their characters and reciting their lines. Choral Director Sharon Cohelely graciously worked with each student to help them put on their best performance.
With all of this talent and dedication displayed in a few hours of an evening’s entertainment, what is there not to love?
The intentional blend of comedy, music, costume, and dance ensured that every member of the audience enjoyed something to their liking. Parents, grandparents, teachers, friends, students, and more all came together to take their places in the Woodruff Auditorium, and all left with a smile.
Through enthralling songs and dancing with a mix of group performances, duets, and solos, the cast members engaged the audience with their months of preparation displayed on stage.
Marshall Cain spoke about his experience working with the cast. “Everybody really does love each other,” he said. “I think you can really see and feel that love when watching the production.”
The bond that develops among cast members when putting a show together is like no other. To perform in front of a supportive audience is an accomplishment to be proud of.