What happens when you mix “To be or not to be” with a little “Moonwalk” – you get a hilarious mash-up of sixteenth-century Shakespeare and twenty-first-century Broadway. Thank you to the West Side cast and crew for being one of the very first elementary schools allowed to perform Something Rotten! JR., which only recently released the rights for production. The story is set in the 1590's. Brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but struggle to find success in the theatrical world as they compete with the wild popularity of their contemporary William Shakespeare. These fifth and sixth graders shined as they took us back to Renaissance times with so many clever and funny wordplay references to Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets allowing the entire cast to showcase their talents as actors, singers and dancers. The costumes and choreography were incredible.

 

Thank you to Director/Choreographer Jennifer Cove and Musical Director Haley Goodwin along with the entire team who made it all happen. A special thank you to the West Side School Theater Association, WSSPTG, Margaret Diehl and Megan Prchal (Sound), JT (Technical Director/Carpenter), Katrina Albanese (Set Design), Melissa Hildebrandt (Backstage Director) and all of the parent volunteers for their partnership and unwavering support. Dr. Barnes couldn’t have been prouder to showcase and share the love of musical theater with his students - Bravo!