For the third consecutive year, director Kevin Barnes is leading the Stissing Theatre Guild’s annual spring musical at Stissing Mountain High School. Barnes, who has directed numerous productions at County Players in Wappingers Falls, follows the success of “Mamma Mia!” and “Matilda” with “Something Rotten” — a musical comedy set in 1595 in Shakespeare’s London.
“My wheelhouse is doing comedy, and it’s a musical comedy with a very funny script that references both Shakespeare and more recent theatre,” Barnes said.
The story follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, struggling playwrights desperate for a hit. Frustrated by Shakespeare’s towering success, Nick turns to a soothsayer — who happens to be related to Nostradamus — to uncover the next big trend in theater. The answer? Musicals. The soothsayer predicts that Shakespeare’s greatest play will be “Hamlet,” but the brothers mishear it as “Omelette”and attempt to create a musical centered around eggs.
When their misguided production flops, Nick and Nigel are forced to leave England for America, where they ultimately achieve their dream of creating a successful musical.
This year’s production features Charlotte Smith in the role of Shakespeare, while seniors Max McBride and Logan Cavey portray the Bottom brothers. Both have been regulars in the school’s theatrical productions.
“There are 35 students in this production,” Barnes said. “Nine of them are seniors. Next year will potentially be a challenge, although we have some promising younger students.”
Barnes praised the actors’ enthusiasm but acknowledged the challenge of bridging generational gaps in theater references. “Lots of talent and energy; they need to be shepherded through,” he said. He explained that because “Something Rotten” contains numerous references to Broadway productions that some students had never encountered, “I have to guide them through a completely different context from what they know.”
He pointed to a specific moment in the show, when the phrase “Phantom of the Opera” is spoken in a way that audiences should recognize as a reference to the famous musical: “Some of them have never been to the theatre apart from school productions.”
Barnes collaborates once again with musical director Alex Sisco and choreographer Ashley Burren. The set, designed by Carl Baden and a team of volunteers, brings to life the streets of 16th-century London and various interiors.
As “Something Rotten” marks the final high school musical for many of the cast members, several seniors reflected on their experiences in the Stissing Theatre Guild.
“It’s sad to see how fast it went by,” said Madison Rego, who plays Portia. “It’s been a great journey. I’m happy with the connections to people I’ve made.”
Eliza Essery, who plays Bea, shared a similar sentiment: “I’m really sad this is my last show. I love the family we’ve made here. It’s really a second home.”
McBride, who plays Nick Bottom, said, “I’m excited about graduating, but I’m going to miss the shows.”
Cavey, who plays Nigel, added, “This is a super fun show. I’ve been in the shows since fifth grade. I’ve gotten used to hanging out with the same group of people since I was 10. I can’t believe I won’t be with them next year.”
Smith said her role is a unique challenge: “Shakespeare is so much fun to play — a sassy self.”
“Something Rotten” plays at 7 p.m. on March 7 and 8 and at 2 p.m. on March 9 at Stissing Mountain High School. Tickets are available online through SeatYourself and cost $13 for adults and $11 for students and seniors (62+)
