The Mundelein Theatre’s Group Interpretation, Stranger than Fiction, took part in sectional competition March 18 at Fremd High School in Palatine and placed second, which qualifies them to compete in the state tournament this weekend at the University of Illinois at Springfield. They will compete against 17 other high schools.  Their preliminary performance is at 8:40 a.m. on Friday, March 24. Six teams will be selected to perform in the final round of competition on Saturday, March 25.

Group Interpretation is a 30-minute, student-led performance of any literary work. The focal point of the performance is “out” to the audience with limited on-stage focus. The performance is minimal in nature, meaning that performers wear a uniform dress (not costumes) and build a minimalistic set. Sound effects are permitted but no lighting, specific costuming, properties or theater makeup can be used. Group Interpretation is an IHSA-sanctioned activity.

Stranger than Fiction is about Harold Crick, a lonely IRS agent whose mundane existence is transformed when he hears a mysterious voice narrating his life. With the help of Professor Jules Hilbert, Harold discovers he's the main character in a novel-in-progress and that the voice belongs to Karen Eiffel, an eccentric author famous for killing her main characters in creative ways. Harold must quickly track down Eiffel and stop her before she conjures up a way to finish him off.