To The Editor,

Again the Performing Arts Department of Bishop Hendricken High School exceeded expectations with the Summer Stage performance of “Something Rotten” by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick. Kudos to Director/Producer Julia Paolina and the large cast and crew for two and a half hours of Broadway-type entertainment. .

Expectations were exceeded from the opening number starting as a staid, renaissance rendition transitioning to a frenetic rock and roll number involving the whole cast. Show stoppers included the “Omelet” number. There was tap dancing, chorus line and even some gymnastics thrown in. Choreographers Jade Genga and Emma Corcelli deserve congratulations.

Music director Richard Sylvia conducted a pit orchestra comprised of professional and student musicians. Keyboard work by Justin Simone and Christian Black deserve mention.

Student captains Thomas Jaques (Vocal) and Ava White (Dance) and company managers Angela Brewster and Justin Estrada not only performed but kept everything smoothly moving.

Angelo Cipolla and Zach Young (Bottoms brothers), Massimo Papa (Will Shakespeare), Kaelin Viera (Nostradamus) and Mia Daley (Bea) led the cast. The duet between Young and Jane Kristiansen (Portia) was outstanding.

The crew led by Steven Correia and Dev Tanon ran technical issues and scene changes that one would expect to see off-Broadway. Costumes by Julianna Fielding were first-class as were the many changes controlled by Xander Papa and her team.

All together an enjoyable evening of five-star entertainment.

Richard J. August

North Kingstown