From the Directors...
Welcome! Thank you for spending some time with us! We are excited to transport you to Renaissance England as well tell the story of the Bottom brothers. As you enjoy the story, perhaps you’ll decide to participate in one of the scavenger hunts that the authors have embedded into this well-crafted script. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, see how many quotes you can connect to the correct play. If you’re a musical theater groupie like me, see how many show references you can identify. If neither, we know you’ll enjoy this trip back in time where we realize that, even nearly 500 years later, the human condition hasn’t changed all that much.
Every show has its challenges and it’s always fun to watch the growth in our actors. But this one has coerced many of us out of our comfort zones in multiple ways, which is what has made the journey so rewarding. I’m grateful for such a dedicated and talented creative team. Gil and John take rough ideas and develop them into something beautiful and authentic. Ken recruits only the best to join our kids in the pit, tackling the same books that the pros did on Broadway. And Matt is truly a talent to behold. He is a joy to collaborate with and has built an incredible trust and rapport with our students. Our cast, crew, and orchestra students have invested an amazing amount of time and energy, both during and outside of rehearsal, despite being involved in multiple other activities. They’ve made the exhausting journey enjoyable and worthwhile, and I’m SO proud of all of them. Thank you to the EP administration and school board for continuing to recognize that theater is a place where kids can create art while discovering themselves, and thanks to you for supporting their efforts.
I can usually choose one quote from the show, but this time I value three of them equally. I hope one will resonate with you.
“To thine own self be true.”
“When life gives you eggs, make an omelette.”
“There’s nothing as amazing as a musical.”
Enjoy the show,
Amy Kazin
Comedies are hard. They are even harder when you add 6 production numbers, a lot of music and tap dancing. Embarking on this journey has been an absolute blast, but it did not come easily. Hours and hours of rehearsal, drilling choreography, running lines over and over, cleaning every last detail on where to stand on stage and where to look, it all adds up to loads of rehearsal that produced amazing results by our actors. This show is filled with beautiful moments that will make you laugh, cry and think. It is a theater and english nerd’s dream all while being so universal in the day to day lives of these characters. That's the beauty of comedies. We can laugh all while examining the lives we lead each and every day. All of this could not be possible without the large team of folks that came together to create Something Rotten.
“It takes a village” could not ring more true in the Village of Evergreen Park and their musicals. This year's show is one for the books. Hundreds of costumes, tons of lights, crew, musicians, and actors all come together to create the magnificent piece of theatre you will see today. Without the help of folks like Bill Moore saving every costume rip, tear or adjustment our show would not be where it is today. Without the help of folks like Gil Oliva creating every light cue and design while overseeing the entire set, our show would not be where it is today. Without folks like our Music Boosters bringing meals to the school to ensure students are nourished and working the concession stands, our show would not be where it is today. Without folks like the Kazins, we would not have this program, we would not have the pit and our musical would not be where it is today. No matter who they are, if they are involved in this production, they are important. Every laugh was brought to you by a team of dozens that have worked tirelessly to ensure each moment of the show is thought of. It really does take a village and we could not love our village of theatre folk more. The Directing staff could not be more thankful for everyone's time and talents. I would like to personally thank Amy Kazin for her continuous support, amazing collaboration and even better, her friendship. Amy is the reason for the season and the bee’s knees all in one!
Now, sit back, relax and enjoy the show!
Matt Mitchell
