Something Rotten! An Inside Look

Story by Thea DeMarco ’26
Photo by Noah Wong ’27

Tomorrow, the Spring Musical, Something Rotten!, will be opening. After being inspired by the voices of classmates in the cast and crew, I decided to investigate what goes on behind the scenes. To do so, I spoke with Ms. Norland, Director of Dramatic Arts and acting teacher here in the SHC community.

Ms. Norland works hard as the director, overseeing how the vision of the production will come together, from casting to staging, character work, and storytelling. Outside of school, she directs at a theatre company and she compares her work with what she does at SHC and says, “Directing at a school is even more comprehensive than when I direct at a theatre company because I also serve as a producer of sorts, determining many of the details of the season in advance.” Ms. Norland tells me that plays at SHC are selected based on the cast size, skill, required technology, design and theme. The play must align with the values of Sacred Heart Cathedral while also remaining entertaining. Ms. Norland says that Something Rotten! stood out because of its humor, high-energy music, and opportunities for a large ensemble to shine.

Additionally, Ms.Norland mentions that she works closely with a large team, explaining that the Music Director (Ms. Rader), Choreographers (Ms. Charlson, Ms. Wexler, and Ms. Nastari), Technical Theater Director (Mr. Mahoney), Costume Designer (Ms. Canaya)... [and] Assistant Director Noah Wong ’27, play an important role in bringing the show to life through vocal coaching, leading the pit band, teaching choreography, designing sets and costumes and setting up the lighting and sound.  

Purchase Something Rotten! Tickets

Rehearsing large musical numbers takes the most time because practice ensures that the vocals and choreography will be smooth and polished. Ms. Norland points out that, “Coordinating costumes, props, and scene transitions can also be complex, especially in a show like Something Rotten!, which features many quick changes and intricate moments of stage magic.” To guarantee that things will run smoothly, all aspects of the musical must communicate with one another. This involves full run-throughs and conducting technical rehearsals to adjust transitions and other complexities. She also adds, “The actors and crew also rely on cue sheets, checklists and regular rehearsals to stay on track. It's a ton of work, but so rewarding as we improve.”

Before each and every show, the actors do vocal and physical warm-ups in order to get into the proper mindset to put on the show. “Some cast and crew members have pre-show rituals, like group huddles and moments of quiet focus, to ease nerves and build excitement.” Ms.Norland discusses the audience as another aspect of the show, describing them as “another character.” She tells me, “It's finally whole when we have an audience, so it's nerve-racking but also so exciting and it feels right to have reactions by the time performances come.”

To finish off the interview, Ms. Norland shares her wishes for the musical. “Something Rotten! is a hilarious and heartfelt celebration of theatre itself, so I hope the audience leaves with a renewed appreciation for the joy of live performance. It’s also a story about resilience and chasing dreams, so I hope they find inspiration in the characters’ journeys. Most of all, I want them to have fun and walk away with smiles on their faces!”

Something Rotten! opens on Friday, February 28th, March 1st, 7th, and 8th at 7 pm in the Sister Caroline Collins, DC,  Theater. Purchase tickets at https://shcp.vbotickets.com/events