M’CHIGEENG—There was nothing rotten to be found in ‘Something Rotten,’ this year’s outstanding Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) production of the Karey Kilpatrick, Wayne Kilpatrick and John O’Farrell musical. Audiences have become accustomed to the professional-level theatre productions mounted by the high school’s students (with a couple of elementary school students thrown in), but this year’s musical comedy is even more remarkable given that most of the cast are in Grade 9 or 10.
‘Something Rotten’ tells the story of two erstwhile playwrights, Nick Bottom (played by Jocelyn Kuntsi and Jordan Goddard) who in 1595 are struggling to escape the shadow of “Renaissance rock star” William Shakespeare (played by Zack Hill). A soothsayer, Nostradamus (played by Faer O’Leary) provides a muddled outline of yet-to-be-written ‘Hamlet’ and hilarity soon ensues.
The play opens with Zack and the chorus performing the song ‘Welcome to the Renaissance,’ the first of 21 songs that showcased the cast’s vocal accomplishments.
Leads Jocelyn and Jordan provided the backbone of the script, handling the immense number of lines like they were born to the footlights. Zack’s Shakespeare was inspired and augmented with well-timed and executed physical comedy. Faer’s animated and engaging Nostradamus provides a harbinger of great things to come as she is only just beginning her high school career.
Cameron Meawasige’s Bea, wife of Nick, played great counterpart to her would-be playwright husband, while lamenting the unfairness of the subservient role of females in the 16th Century.
Pheobe Aeschlimann’s Portia, the romantic interest of the poetic Nigel, channeled the sweet innocence of young love to perfection, while her domineering Puritan father Brother Jeremiah, played by Xavi Mara hilariously executed a number of mildly risqué puns.
Lydia Pennings’ Lady Clapham maintained the proper regal poise to be expected of a member of the English aristocracy and Garrett Charbonneau’s Shylock was wonderfully animated.
The cast was filled out by Neveah Harper (Master of the Justice), Divine Commanda (Peter), Hannah McDonald (Tom), Ella Tasse (Robin), Alexander Leblanc (Snug), along with the acting troupe members Carson Stewart, Jaymes Simon, Robyn-Ashley McNaughton, Elizabeth Elliot, Morgan Dedman, Dylan Kuntsi, Sadie Hardy, Sarah Joyce and Mike Taukei made some very complex choreography appear as natural as breathing. Puppeteer George-Michael Lentir added some hilarious bits of his own in the final act.
They also serve who stand in the wings, and ‘Something Rotten’ had a huge contingent gathered outside of the spotlights.
‘Something Rotten’ producer was Yana Bauer, artistic director Michael Zegil, musical director Chris Theijsmeijer, choreographer Casey Boisvert, technical director Heather Theijsmeijer, head of costumes Jill Ferguson and stage managers, Katelyn Lentir and Markus Otosquaiob. Filling out the set crew were Ms. Theijsmeijer (set design), Madonna Andress (set design), set construction head Irving Noble, whose team included Nikolai Assinwe, Zack Bond, Orland Carter-O’Hearn, Griffin Gibson, Cole Hughson and Kowan Orford. Head of painting duties were shared by Ms. Andress and Ruth Hill. The painting team included Peobe Aeschlimann, Zack Hill and Emma Ense.
Liberty Mainprize was head of lights, with followspots operated by Ezra Diebolt and Hailey Ferguson. Head of sound was Novella Therrien and the stage crew consisted of Daphne Carr, Ben Dewar, George Lentir, Lily Mack, Samuel Pennings, Anika Smith and Grace Tuerk. Props crew included Daphne Carr, Crystal Lentir, Connie Freeman, Alison Orford, Ruth Hill and Samuel Pennings.
Assistant producer was Jill Ferguson, production assistants were Ms. Freeman and Ms. Orford, vocal coach was Evie Moores, head seamstress was Carol Gilmore and Jennifer Tasse did alterations.
‘Something Rotten’ has now taken its place among previous outstanding MSS productions and will likely remain a fond memory for the two cast members who are graduating this year, while setting a high bar for those who will doubtless add to that roster of hits in coming years.
