“5, 6, 7, 8.” Music drifts through the speakers, the dancers set in formation, and teachers pace the room, calling out notes as students adjust their spacing. In Building 7, the Theatre Department’s preparation for their production of “Something Rotten!” commences.

With a book by John O’Farrel and Karey Kirkpatrick, and music and lyrics by Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick, “Something Rotten!” takes place in 1595 and follows fictional brothers Nigel and Nick Bottom as they journey to create the first play, navigating a rivalry with William Shakespeare. Known for its fast-paced humor, choreography, and layered musical numbers, the show features 49 cast members.

The show is directed by theatre teachers Stephanie Nixdorf, who also serves as the musical director, and Sandra Christie, who serves as choreographer.

Although “Something Rotten!” is “not very popular in the (general) community,” according to Ms. Christie, the choice to put the show on was based on its genre.

“We chose ‘Something Rotten!’ because it brought humor in a time where humor is something that is needed in all of us,” Ms. Christie said. “It allows students to tap into comedic roles, which can be challenging but gives them that opportunity to dig a little deeper.”

Preparation began soon after the department’s production of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” with auditions starting Nov. 3, followed by a dance call Nov. 6, callbacks Nov. 10, and the cast list posted two days later. As rehearsals progressed, the cast focused on different aspects of the show, from choreography to vocal performance. 

“Spring shows are easier in that sense because we start rehearsing earlier, which gives us more time overall,” theatre sophomore Devin Jackson said. Jackson plays the Minstrel, serving as the show’s narrator.

This year, the show has seen a demographic shift with the majority of the cast being underclassmen. Compared to previous spring productions such as the spring 2025 show, “A Chorus Line,” where underclassmen made up 35% of the 28-member cast, “Something Rotten!” is made up of 43% underclassmen with its 49 cast members.

“Last year’s spring show, ‘A Chorus Line,’ had a lot of seniors,” Jackson said. “This year, it really just depended on what the show needed. Ms. Nixdorf really prides herself on including all grade levels.”

Theatre sophomore Lila Mackenzie, who is a member of the ensemble, said the rehearsals are both “structured and collaborative.”

“We get there, and some days we’ll have music rehearsal, but my favorite days are when we review the dance,” Mackenzie said. “We go into Meyer Hall, talk about the plan, warm up onstage, and clean all the choreography so it looks really polished.”

Mackenzie said that the ensemble has had to “adapt” to fewer seniors in traditionally senior-dominant positions, especially in some dance numbers.

“A lot of the front lines in dance numbers are usually seniors,” Mackenzie said. “Since there are fewer seniors, a lot of underclassmen are in those spots, so we really have to make sure we’re keeping up the standard of Dreyfoos shows.”

The show will open Feb. 20 and close Feb. 28. When the curtain rises,  the music starts, and the first line is spoken, all grades will step into the spotlight.

“Roles aren’t given because of age, they’re given because of talent,” Mackenzie said. “A freshman could be a lead. Anyone could.”