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Laugh and sing along this weekend at ‘Something Rotten!’

News Photo by Darby Hinkley The cast of “Something Rotten!” gathers onstage at a recent rehearsal. The play continues this weekend at the Rogers Theater. Pictured, from back left, are Kaitlyn Wales, Pennie Hoeft, Thane Lentz, Jeff Janowiec, Kirk Krekeler, and Robert Starnes III. In the middle row, from left, are Charlotte Heidemann, Alison Marx, Mike Marx, Baylee Lijewski, Donna Klein, Hailie Janowiec, and Jackie Supina. In front, from left, are Ed Perrault, Lex Haske, Cozy Janowiec, Brooke Crawford, and Julie DiMura. Missing from the photo is Lily Janowiec.

ROGERS CITY — If you haven’t seen “Something Rotten!” yet, you have three more chances this weekend at the Rogers Theater.

The musical comedy set in the Shakespearean era 1590s runs at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a final show at 2 p.m. on Sunday, presented by Rogers City Community Theatre. Tickets are $14 for adults and $6 for students. The box office opens one hour before showtime.

Shakespeare and an unforgettable cast take the stage in an epic comedy that pits the wits of the Bard against his arch-nemesis, Nicholas Bottom.

As Nick’s younger brother Nigel waxes poetic, the eldest Bottom works with soothsayer Nostradamus to create the world’s first musical in an attempt to knock Shakespeare off his high horse. Who will ultimately win this battle of the creative minds?

With superior acting and melodious voices, combined with talented tap dancing at times, you will not want to miss even one line of this hilarious show.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley A very animated and wildly funny Kirk Krekeler sings and dances while Thane Lentz looks on in the background during a recent dress rehearsal of “Something Rotten!”

This family-friendly play is rated PG-10 for mild adult language and innuendo.

Directed by Pennie Hoeft, with assistant direction by Jeff Janowiec, Donna Klein, and Jackie Supina, this production really showcases the vast abilities of a small community theatre troupe, providing a can’t-miss gem of a show to playgoers. For those in surrounding communities like Alpena, it’s worth the trip to Rogers City, indeed.

The play is based on the book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, with music and lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick, who also conceived the idea.

Jeff Janowiec sparkles and shines as none other than Shakespeare himself, who can do no wrong, in his own mind. Janowiec is impressive as an actor, singer, and dancer, as well as a comedian. He literally shines in a silver head-to-toe suit, announcing his arrival into any space, where he expects, and receives, tremendous attention. After all, he is Shakespeare.

Thane Lentz as Nick Bottom brings the sarcastic comedy in full force, as well as some excellent acting, singing, and dancing. Listen up — you won’t want to miss his one-liners that will have you howling in the aisles.

Kaitlyn Wales plays Nick’s younger brother, Nigel Bottom, bringing a calm, poetic energy to the stage, helping to balance his brother out in some ways.

Kirk Kerkeler is uproariously funny as Nostradamus, performing highly animated song and dance as he attempts to help Nick Bottom outdo Shakespeare. You won’t be able to stop laughing when his hips get into motion during a solo.

Pennie Hoeft plays the outspoken and strong-willed Bea, Nick Bottom’s wife. Their interactions are hilarious and believable as a married couple.

The entire cast does an amazing job in this performance. Cast members include Robert Starnes III as Brother Jeremiah/Grim Reaper, Hallie Janowiec as Portia, and many cast members with multiple roles, including Donna Klein, Julie Dimura, Edward Perrault, Lexi Haske, Brooke Crawford, Michael Marx, Alison Marx, Charlotte Heidemann, Baylee Lijewski, Cozy Janowiec, and Lily Janowiec. In addition to Shakespeare, Jeff Janowiec also plays Toby and Scar.

Rounding out the crew are Music Director Donna Klein, Choreographer Anna Nadolsky of Lakeside Dance Co., Technical Director Jeff Janowiec, with technical assistance by Alan Hoeft and John Supina, Stage Manager Denise Perrault, props by Baylee Lijewski and cast, lights by Noah Hanson, sound by Gabbi May, mics by Alex Czarnecki, projections by Clara Kuznicki, promotion by Donna Klein, Jeff Janowiec, and Mary Parsons. Thanks go out to Alex Czarnecki of the Presque Isle County Historical Museum for prop use.

Call the box office at 989-341-3277. The Rogers Theater is located at 257 N. Third St. in downtown Rogers City.

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