Theater
The fine arts theater program at La Salle has been in existence since 1969 and now as we move forward into our sixth decade, we take great pride in how the program has evolved, bringing the finest in contemporary and classic musicals to our stage by integrating the talents of well over 125 students each year including female performers from our sister schools, Gwynedd Mercy Academy and Mount Saint Joseph's Academy, as well as a variety of other surrounding schools, both public and private.
Overview
The overall goal of the program is to produce the highest quality shows while allowing everyone who expresses an interest to find their niche in the school's performing arts program. To accomplish this we produce two shows per year, starting with a comedy or drama in the fall and a full scale musical in the spring. The theater program also provides an opportunity for students to develop and express theirs talents not only as on stage performers, but also as musicians, technical support, and in administrative capacities.
Spring Musical
La Salle College High School to Perform Something Rotten
Show Synopsis
“Something Rotten” takes place in the 1590’s in London, England. The Bottom Brothers, Nick and Nigel are desperate to write a hit play but find themselves outshined by the rock-star playwright of the Renaissance, William Shakespeare. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, they set out to write the world’s first musical. Nostradamus, Nick, and Nigel then set out to write the next big hit: “Omelette: The Musical”.
Cast Listing and Biographies
Something Rotten Cast List
Nick Bottom- Logan Keough
Nigel Bottom- Ian Whitaker
Shakespeare- Liam McCaffery
Nostradamus/Foreman- Aiden Opiela
Bea- Sarah Klunk
Brother Jeremiah- Ryan Lee
Portia- Katie Lynch
Minstrel/Doorman Dillon Blagman
Shylock/ Ben Johnson- Elijah Diaz
Lord Clapham/Eyepatch Man/ Thomas Kyd- William Gambel
Troupe/Ensemble
Robin- Brendan DeStefano
Tom Snout/Bard Boy- Dermot Gray
Horatio/ Bard Boy- Aiden Pagan
Peter Quince/ Bard Boy- Andrew Luckey
Francis Flute/ Bard Boy- Daniel Cogan
Snug/ Francis Bacon- Connor Wisniewski
Male Ensemble
Matthew Cawley
Evan Klein
Jameson Bonner
Evan Rivera
Brendan Young
Female Dancers
Pauline Rawson
Kate Bole
Cameron Holmes
Grace Githens
Julia Paccapaniccia
Katie Mincieli
Jenna Leary
Alivia Chieffo
Female Ensemble
Remy Barrett
Madison Markward
Caitlin Scanlan
Kaelyn Whitaker
Isabella Parvin
Sophia Hunter
Halo Hall
Remy Barrett Ensemble Remy is a senior at the Mount. She is thrilled to be appearing in her first La Salle Musical! She has participated in other musicals in the past, including: Godspell, Freaky Friday, and The Wizard of Oz at MSJA. Remy wishes for the cast and crew of Something Rotten to break a leg!
Dillon Blagman Minstrel/Edmund Spencer Dillon is a junior at La Salle. He is excited to be acting in his second La Salle musical. He was previously in the Mount Saint Joseph's run of The Wizard of Oz and La Salle's production of West Side Story. Dillon is grateful for his friends and family and is ecstatic for another amazing show.
Kate Bole Dance Captain Kate is a junior at MSJA. She is thrilled to be in her first La Salle musical. Kate has been on stage her whole life, but was recently featured in Godspell, Freaky Friday, and The Wizard of Oz at MSJA. She would like to thank her family for their support, and the cast and crew for making her first show at La Salle so special.
Jameson Bonner Ensemble Jameson is currently a sophomore at LaSalle College High School. His past theatrical roles include Hans in St. Albert’s production of Frozen Jr, LaSalle’s Fall One Act Festival (2022 and 2023), Moose in LaSalle’s production of West Side Story (2023) and a Winkie in Mount Saint Joseph’s production of Wizard of Oz (2023). He would like to thank his friends and family for their support and always attending his shows!
Matthew Cawley Master of The Justice Matthew is a senior at La Salle College High School. He is excited to be in his second and final La Salle Musical, Something Rotten. He has previously been in Wizard of Oz and Freaky Friday at MSJA and was in West Side Story at La Salle. Matthew also enjoyed performing in La Salle's Fall One-Act Plays. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support. He also would like to shout out the amazing cast and crew. Finally, he would like to thank Louis, Sue, and the rest of the production staff.
Alivia Chieffo Dancer Girl Alivia is a senior at Gwynedd Mercy. She is so happy to be in her second La Salle show. Her previous features were the Judge in Legally Blonde at GMA, West Side Story, and Mean Girls for OCTC. Alivia would like to thank her friends and family for always supporting her. She would also like to thank Louis and the La Salle production team on another amazing show.
Daniel Cogan Francis Flute Daniel/Danny is a freshman at La Salle. He is excited to make his debut in Something Rotten as part of the Troupe. He previously appeared in The Wizard of Oz and Beauty and the Beast at St. Norberts. He wants to thank his family for always encouraging him to follow his interests and to the cast, crew, and anyone else who made this production possible for being so welcoming. He is so thankful to them and anyone else who helped him get here today.
Brendan DeStefano Ensemble/Robin/u/s Nick Bottom Brendan DeStefano is a sophomore at LaSalle. He is elated to appear in his second La Salle musical. He was previously in the 2022/2023 Fall One Acts, West Side Story, and Legally Blonde the Musical, at GMA. Brendan would like to thank the cast, crew, and his family and friends for their continual support.
Elijah Diaz Shylock Elijah is a freshman at La Salle and is making his debut in the musical Something Rotten as Shylock. Elijah would like to give warm gratitude and thanks to the people who helped support him throughout the process of production especially his mother, father, brother and friends and other family.
William Gambel Lord Clapham William is a junior at La Salle. He is excited to appear in his third La Salle Musical. He was previously seen in La Salle's Pippin and West Side Story, along with the 2021-2023 Fall One Act Productions and the Mount's The Wizard of Oz. William would like to thank his family, friends, along with the cast and crew for another wonderful La Salle musical.
Grace Githens Featured Dancer/ Soloist Grace is a junior at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School and is so excited to be back in her second La Salle show! She was previously seen in Matilda, Newsies, and Legally Blonde at Gwynedd and West Side Story at La Salle! Grace would like to thank her family and friends for all their support as well as the directing staff, cast, and crew for all their hard work!
Dermot Gray Tom Snout, u/s Nigel, Bard Boy, Dance Captain Dermot is a junior at La Salle and is thrilled to appear in his third musical at La Salle. He was previously featured in the ensemble of Pippin and as a Jet in West Side Story. Dermot would love to thank his family and friends for their constant support. He would also like to thank the cast, crew, and production team for putting on another amazing show.
Halo Hall Puritan, Nun Halo is a freshman at the Mount. She is excited to be premiering in her first show at La Salle. She was previously featured in the Wizard of Oz and Newsies at Norwood Fontbonne Academy. Halo would like to thank her family, friends, and dog for supporting her along her entire career. She would also like to thank the cast and crew for an incredible first year and for a wonderful production.
Cameron Holmes Dancer Cameron is a junior and is super exited to be performing this year in her second musical at La Salle. She was previously involved in Godspell, Freaky Friday, and The Wizard of Oz at the Mount, as well as West Side Story at La Salle. She would love to thank her family as well as the entire production team for making this such an incredible experience.
Sophia Hunter Puritan Sophia is a sophomore at Gwynedd. She is so excited to appear in her second musical at La Salle. She has previously performed in West Side Story, as well as Legally Blonde at GMA. She would like to thank her friends and family for all their support, as well as Something Rotten’s wonderful cast and crew for yet another amazing show.
Logan Keough Nick Bottom Logan is a junior at La Salle. He is beyond excited to perform in his third La Salle show, and first lead role. Logan has previously performed in Pippin, West Side Story, Newsies, and most recently Legally Blonde at GMAHS. Logan would like to thank his friends for always running lines with him during lunch periods, and especially his family for their everlasting patience and support. Lastly, Logan would like to thank the cast for making the creation of this show an amazing and memorable experience.
Evan Klein Tom Middleton/Doorman Evan is a junior at La Salle, and this is his first production here at La Salle. Evan would like to thank his family and friends for their support, and the entire cast and crew for a wonderful production.
Sarah Klunk Bea Sarah is a senior at The Mount. She is SUPER EXCITED for her final high school musical. Musical theater and performing have been an especially significant role in her life growing up. At the Mount, she is part of Glee Club, Sweet Madelines, and was awarded the Meko McGil Music Scholar Award in 2023. She is also a member of the Pennsylvania Girl choir for the past 6 years. Previous shows you may or may not have seen her in are Wizard of Oz, Freaky Friday, Pippin, and Godspell. She would like to thank the directors, cast, pit, and stage crew for putting all their effort into an amazing show this year. She will miss all the incredible memories she has made at La Salle over the past 2 years. Lastly, she would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her in all the musical things she has accomplished and cannot wait to see where it takes her next. ENJOY THE SHOW!!!
Jenna Leary Dancer Jenna is a sophomore at GMAHS. She has performed in over 35 musicals, including Legally Blonde (GMAHS), Newsies (GMAHS), and West Side Story (LSCHS). Jenna would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her through this amazing show.
Ryan Lee Brother Jeremiah Ryan is a junior here at La Salle and is excited to be appearing in his first La Salle musical. He acted in musicals throughout middle school and has been involved with La Salle’s choral program since freshman year. Ryan would like to thank his family and friends for their constant support and the cast and crew for a fantastic production.
Drew Luckey Peter Quince/Bard Boy Hey look! It’s Drew Luckey ‘25, returning for yet another year of La Salle theater. You may know him from West Side Story last year, MSJA’s Freaky Friday in 2022 and this year’s Fall One Acts. He wants to thank his friends and family for continuing to support him in this glorious creation called a “Musical”.
Katie Lynch Portia Katie, a junior at GMAHS, is thrilled to participate in her third La Salle Spring Musical (following Pippin and West Side Story). Katie previously performed in Matilda (Bruce), Newsies (Davey), and Legally Blonde (Brooke) at GMAHS AND attended the Arts Bridge MT2 Summer Intensive in July 2023. Katie offers a HUGE thank you to her parents, family, cast, crew, voice/music teachers, the color pink, and Taylor Swift.
Madison Markward Helena, u/s Bea Madison is a senior at Gwynedd Mercy and is so excited to be featured in her second and final La Salle production. She has previously been seen with La Salle in West Side Story and in other roles at Gwynedd such as Matilda in Matilda and Crutchie in Newsies. She is also proud to serve on the board of Broadway Wishes. Madison loves all the memories she has made within the program and would like to thank everyone in the cast and crew for making her experience so wonderful.
Liam McCaffery Shakespeare Liam is a sophomore at La Salle. He is extremely excited to bring you his take on the bard in his second performance at La Salle, following West Side Story as his first. He would like to thank his family and his friends for their support, and the cast of Something Rotten for a good show.
Kate Mincieli Featured Dancer Kate is a sophomore at Gwynedd. She is thrilled to be in her second musical at La Salle. Kate would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support, and the cast, crew, and directors for working so hard on another wonderful production!
Aiden Opiela Nostradamus Aiden is back and better than ever! Starring in his second MUSICAL but his 6th theater production at La Salle College High School, he has had quite the stage presence! A journey beginning as Bernie Madoff in his freshman year, becoming a 1920's radio host in his sophomore year, being the Blue Alien and Lieutenant Shranke in his junior year; he has always been willing to put himself out there. It is only fitting that he ends his career at La Salle by doing what he is best at, playing the wacky and zany character of Nostradamus!
Julia Paccapaniccia Featured Dancer Julia is a freshman at the Mount. She is so excited to be performing in her first show at La Salle. She has previously been in Wizard of Oz at the Mount as well as Seussical, 101 Dalmatians, The Lion King, and Into the Woods with other companies. She would like to thank the cast and crew for making her first La Salle show memorable and her family and friends for their support.
Aiden Pagan Horatio/Bard Boy Aiden is a sophomore and is excited to be on stage for his second musical at La Salle. Aiden was last seen on stage as Bernardo in West Side Story. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support. Hope you enjoy the show!
Isabella Parvin Waitress/Puritan Woman Isabella is a sophomore at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School. She was previous featured in West Side Story and The Fall One Acts Festival at La Salle College High School and is thrilled to be a part of her second musical there. She would like to thank Louis, Will, Sue, Mr. Mele, Mr. Norman, Mrs. Kelley, and everyone for all their time and talent for helping this show be the absolute best it can be and her family for always supporting her in everything she does and helping her along the way!! Break a leg to all the cast and crew!!!
Pauline Rawson Dancer Pauline is a senior at Mount Saint Joseph Academy, and she is so excited to be a part of La Salle’s production of Something Rotten. Pauline has been involved in La Salle’s shows for 3 years and she is grateful for the amazing cast, crew, an opportunity’s La Salle’s community has given her. Pauline is so grateful for the people that constantly support her and attend each show and she is so excited for you to see the amazing production we have put together this year.
Evan Rivera Male Ensemble/John Webster Evan is a freshman here at La Salle. This is his first time acting in a musical, and he is thrilled to be here. He has loved singing and doing complex choreography on a Sunday morning. Evan would like to thank his incredible parents for driving him to and from rehearsals as opposed to abandoning him at his school. He would also like to thank his two adorable yet very psychotic dogs (Henry and Archie) for their constant emotional support.
Caitlin Scanlon Astrologer/u/s Nostradamus Caitlin is a junior at Gwynedd Mercy Academy and is ecstatic to be performing in her first La Salle musical! Caitlin has previously performed in Matilda, Newsies, Little Women, and Legally Blonde at GMAHS. Caitlin would like to thank her friends that convinced her to do the show and her family who have supported her through the process. She would also like to thank the entire cast for a wonderful show, and she is grateful to be able to understudy and learn from such great talent!
Ian Whitaker Nigel Bottom Ian is a senior at La Salle. He is excited to be a part of his third and final show here at La Salle. He has previously appeared in Pippin, and West Side Story as Snow Boy, as well as Warner in Legally Blonde, Roosevelt in Newsies, and Telly in Godspell at both GMA and MSJA. He has had an amazing experience and would like to thank everyone who supported him along the way, including family, friends, cast mates, directors, and crew for offering him one final show on the stage he calls home.
Kaelyn Whitaker The Messenger Kaelyn is a sophomore at Gwynedd Mercy Academy H.S. She is thrilled to be part of La Salle’s musical for a second year. She was previously a part of Newsies at GMA, West Side Story, and Legally Blonde at GMA. Kaelyn would like to thank her parents, especially her mother, who helped so much with this production, the cast and crew, friends, and family, for all their support, and, of course, her older brother, Ian, for inspiring her to be the best she can be in the good and bad moments. She cannot wait to perform with him one last time.
Connor Wisniewski Snug, Francis Bacon Connor is a freshman at La Salle. He is thrilled to be in his first La Salle musical and first ever musical. Connor would like to thank his family, friends, and fellow cast and crew members for all the work, support, and help they have provided to make this a great production and experience.
Brendan Young Lead Man/Ensemble Brendan is a freshman at La Salle. He is thrilled to be appearing in his first La Salle Musical. Brendan would like to thank his family and friends for their support, as well as the entire cast and crew for an incredible production.
Audition Information
Audition Information for Something Rotten
Interested in auditioning for Something Rotten? Reach out to Mr. Mele or Mr. Norman for audition materials. Please attend the Audition Prep sessions to help yourself prepare. Bring comfortable clothes and shoes to move in for audition prep days. All dates take place in the Auditorium.
- Audition Prep/Dance Rehearsal- 11/6, 3pm
- Audition Prep/Dance Rehearsal- 11/13, 3pm
- Girls Audition- 11/27, 3:30pm
- Boys Audition- 11/29, 3:00pm
Song Audition Choices: Please choose only one of the following songs for auditions. Music and corresponding measures can be downloaded below on the picture of the PDF and you will have a student accompanist playing for you at the singing audition.
- Nick # 18 Make an Omlette meas.1-33
- Nigel #15 Nigel’s Theme Meas. 8-22
- Shakespeare # 8 Will Power Meas. 4-25
- Bea #4 Right Hand Man Meas 68- end
- Portia #7 I Love the Way meas. 41-75
- Nostradamus #5 A Musical Meas.198-218
- Bro. Jeremiah #14 We See the Light meas. 80 – 92
Audition Will Consist of a Dance and Vocal Component:
- Dance Combination (This will be taught on the two audition prep days)
- Vocal Selection from the Audition Packet link posted below. There will be a student accompanist playing for you at this audition. (Choose ONE of these songs)
Production Team
Producer: Mr. Joseph F. Ciccimaro ‘57
Director & Choreographer: Mr. Louis Palena
Vocal Director : Ms. Sue den Outer
Assistant Director & Assistant Producer: Mr. Mark Norman
Music Director: Mr. Christopher Mele '13
Costume Design: Mrs. Robin Kelley
Set Design & Stage Crew: Mr. Michael Hearn
Sound Design: Mr. Greg Snyder
Lighting Design: Mr. Jordan Petrellis ‘14
Past Shows
2023 West Side Story
2022 Pippin
2021 Smokey Joe's Café
2020 A Chorus Line
2019 Chicago
2018 The Drowsy Chaperone
2017 The Producers
2016 Crazy for You
2015 Monty Python’s "Spamalot"
2014 42nd Street
2013 Swing!
2012 City of Angels
2011 The Drowsy Chaperone
2010 Smokey Joe's Café
2009 How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
2008 Singin' in the Rain
2007 Babes in Arms
2006 Godspell
2005 Bye Bye Birdie
2004 Grease
2003 Footloose
2002 George M!
2001 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
2003 Footloose
2002 George M!
2001 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
2000 Guys & Dolls
1999 Damn Yankees
1998 How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
1997 Two Gentlemen of Verona
1996 Godspell
1995 Little Shop of Horrors
1994 Leader of the Pack
1993 Pal Joey
1992 Fame
1991 West Side Story
1990 George M!
1989 The Mystery of Edwin Drood
1988 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
1987 Grease
1986 Two Gentlemen of Verona
1985 Guys & Dolls
1984 Lil' Abner
1983 Fiorello!
1980 Pippin
1979 Godspell
1978 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
1977 Mack and Mabel
1976 110 in the Shade
1975 Carousel
1974 Guys and Dolls
1973 How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
1972 Anything Goes / Company (Alumni Production)
1971 Hello Dolly!
1970 South Pacific
1969 Damn Yankees
1968 Bye Bye Birdie
Fall Drama/Comedy
The Fall One Acts Festival
The Theater Program's production of "13 Ways to Screw Up Your College Interview" by Ian McWethy debuts Friday, October 30th at 7:00 PM. The show will be available to stream (at any start time) for 24 hours after creating a free account at Broadwayondemand.com.
Show Synopsis
When two college recruiters at a prestigious university need to fill one last spot to keep their jobs, thirteen eccentric, dimwitted and slightly-insane high school seniors are eager to come in for an interview. What seems like a simple task turns into a nightmare when the applicants turn out to be a reality TV star, a practicing vampire, an amateur magician, and others that are much, much worse. Each applicant's interview hilariously illustrates what NOT to do at a college interview.
Past Shows
- 2021
- 2020 13 Ways to Screw Up Your College Interview
- 2013-19 - Student Directed One Acts
- 2012 - Barefoot in The Park
- 2011 - Lend Me a Tenor
- 2010 - Blythe Spirit
- 2009 - Plaza Suite
- 2008 - Arsenic and Old Lace
- 2007 - The Odd Couple
- 2006 - You Can't Take it With You
- 2005 - A Man for All Seasons
- 2004 - Shakespeare Revisited
Broadway Wishes Tickets
Each year students from La Salle College High School, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Gwynedd Mercy Academy and other surrounding public schools, come together to perform numbers from various musicals where all proceeds go to benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation.
For more information, visit www.broadwaywishes.com.