Live theatre has been hard to come by these past months but the students of Mundelein Theatre decided that it was time to get back on the stage and do what they love to do… create theatre. The administration and the theatre staff at MHS have created a way to have students perform live, in front of an audience, outdoors in the Mundelein High School Stadium.
Much Ado About Nothing, by William Shakespeare, will be presented on the athletic field at MHS on Friday, October 16 at 7 pm, Saturday October 17 at 2:30 and 7 pm, and Sunday, October 18 at 2:30 pm. Additionally, the Mundelein Theatre Shakespeare Slam Team will give a special performance. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets are available online at www.mundeleintheatre.org, and are ONLY available online. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Seating for the show is on the football field, so patrons should bring their own lawn chairs. In order to comply with state regulations for public gatherings, seating is limited to 150 seats per show.
“Everyone involved agreed that for the sake of the students, staff and community, we needed to make this happen,” said Jonathan Meier, the show’s director. “Performing Shakespeare outdoors has a rich history throughout the world, so it was the natural choice when we decided to go with an outdoor production.” “Playing this role has been a dream of mine for quite a while,” stated senior Mary McMurray, who plays Beatrice in the show. “I have to admit that I never visualized it standing on the 50 yard line on our football field, but that just makes it more exciting.” Senior Matthew Callas plays the role of Benedick. “Everyone is thrilled to be performing for a live audience. It is certainly a challenge to be playing scenes with other actors and staying at least six feet apart. It is an experience that none of us will soon forget.”
“When our staff is willing to go above and beyond to create meaningful opportunities for our students and families, administration is willing to do anything we can to support those efforts,” said Mike Pope, assistant principal of student services. “The theatre team at MHS worked out a plan, was willing to dedicate extra time in order to pull it off, and the direct benefit of those efforts will go to our students. We are very excited that Mundelein Theatre is able to create these opportunities in a safe and secure environment.”
In addition to McMurray and Callas, the cast consists of Roy Dumblauskas (Don Pedro), Alexis Lee (Leonata), Will Gonzalez (Claudio), Mira Guiritan (Hero), Lance Evans (Dogberry), Austin Knight (Don John), Megan Saunders (Ursula), Amari Liebe (Margaret), Addison Salski (Antonia), Eli Walter (Borachio), Leandro Ocampo (Conrade), Andy Lacroix (Friar Francis), Saedy Kugler (Verges), Brenda Olayo (Sexton), Grace Sciortino (Balthasar & Assistant Director) and Abigail Marquardt (Messenger). Joslyn Gagne and Zoe Trahan are the Stage Managers, as well as appearing at the Watchman. Rosy Castro is an Assistant Director. Meghan Matthys is the Assistant Stage Manager.
Photo: Will Gonzalez, Matthew Callas, Mary McMurray, Mira Guiritan