There’s so much to thank you for. Thank you for coming out and supporting the arts at a time when it is so desperately needed! Thank you for choosing UP for an afternoon or evening of entertainment! Thank you for continuing to support live theatre in our community!
Writing my director’s notes for a show has always felt like a golden opportunity for me. It’s a chance to let you in on why we’ve chosen to produce a certain play for the season. What the story is we’re trying to tell, what we hope you’ll leave with, or how we think our theatre can relate to the world at any given moment. Sometimes, this is where I hope to get you excited for what you are about to see, explain what you just saw, or try to connect it to a bigger picture. Ultimately, the things I write to you here usually mimic what I’ve found myself saying about a show for weeks or months when people have asked me about the piece or the experience. “Something Rotten” is a little different. There’s a stark duality here that I hope you love and that I hope makes this musical more accessible to a huge group of people.
More than anything, “Something Rotten” is fun! We wanted to finish out this year with a slapstick, silly, bawdy, irreverent, over-the-top comedy that would give our audiences confidence in coming to shows they might not have heard of before, but could never forget. That fun is for all of us; I promise our actors are getting a kick out of a show that so perfectly pokes fun at musical theatre and allows them the absurdity of dancing as eggs and learning lyrics like “what’s that creeping ‘round your pee pee”. I hope you are as blown away by the spectacle they’ve created and the hilarity of it all as I am, in a time when I strongly believe we could all use a good, hearty laugh.
But … While SO much theatre is multilayered and complex or profound or thought provoking, etc etc etc, the difference between the sheer comedy in “Something Rotten” and its heartfelt themes seem somehow more drastic to me. My hope is that the fun will be so much that it isn’t until later that you realize you were also at a play about brotherly love, sticking to your convictions, standing up for what you believe, teamwork, relying on your family as a support system, blind censorship, believing in yourself and your talent, the folly of taking the easy way out, taking pride in your accomplishments, and the hopeful message that somehow everything will all work out in the end. “Something Rotten” is oozing with all of this ... like a rotten tomato ... see what I did there?
The stories of these brothers who need each other more than they might realize, the wife who wants to do anything to actively contribute to help her family, the girl that is willing to leave her upbringing for love, and the bard who borrows from everyone else to get ahead have filled my heart, and they’re our gift to you this spring. I hope the hilarity of this show is the best way we could end this season and send you all off for the summer ... before we ask you to join us at the Salem witch trials this coming fall!
Andrew Lidestri, Founding Artistic Director, Theatre UP
Toby Hall, 25, was trained at Plymouth Conservatoire in Plymouth, England. During his training he has earned both a Bachelors of Arts and a Masters of Arts in Acting during which he starred in many plays and even got to write a solo show called "Brother & i". Since graduating he has worked as stage management on "The Hatchling" and has been on tour around the UK. This will be Toby's third show show with Theatre Up after being part of Fiddler on the Roof (Fyedka) and Something Rotten (Shakespeare)
JakeBlankenship
(Nick Bottom)
Jake Blankenship (he/him) has worked with Theatre UP since 2017, playing roles including Julian Marsh (42nd Street), Bill Sikes (Oliver!), and Leon Czolgosz (Assassins). He is excited to return for the final show in Theatre UP's 45th season, and hopes you enjoy the show. He thanks you for supporting local art and keeping the North Country diverse, inclusive, and welcoming to all.
ConnorMacDonald
(Nigel Bottom)
Connor MacDonald is thrilled to take the stage as Nigel Bottom in Something Rotten! Favorite past roles include Lord Farquaad (Shrek), The Baker (Into the Woods), Seymour (Little Shop of Horrors), Charles Guiteau (Assassins), and Puck (A Midsummer Night’s Dream). Offstage, Connor enjoys life’s greatest roles as a husband to Monica and dad to their son, Atlas. He hopes you enjoy the show as much as he’s enjoyed bringing it to life!
JonathanVerge
(Nostradamas)
Jonathan Verge was recently seen onstage as Lazar Wolf in Fiddler on the Roof. Other past UP roles include Dr. Bradman (Blithe Spirit), Sam Byck (Assassins), Fagin (Oliver!), Bert Barry (42nd Street), and Noah (Children of Eden). Jonathan recently directed Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and is the Lead Instructor on UP's Education Team as well as being a private vocal coach. 1-4-3
ShannonOliver
(Bea)
This production is Shannon's first with TheatreUP, and it has been such fun! Shannon is a professional canine behaviorist and spends her days (and nights) with a multitude of dogs. She also runs a small 501(c)3 non-profit dog rescue! Theater has always been a vital piece of her life. Prior to relocating to New Hampshire, Shannon was heavily involved in different community and professional theaters in Southern Maine. Favorite past roles include Jo March in Little Women, Wednesday in The Addams Family Musical, and Carrie in Carrie: The Musical.
CourtneyVashaw
(Brother Jeremiah)
Courtney Vashaw (Brother Jeremiah) can typically be found fighting religious zealotry, but this spring she's happy to don her best black and white to see how the other side lives. She was last seen on the CTP stage playing a rather less restrained religious figure as Sister Mary in Disaster! Favorite roles with UP include Nancy in Oliver!, Janet in The Drowsy Chaperone, Cinderella in Into the Woods, Pinocchio in Shrek, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, and Gwendolyn in Something About Being Earnest, and acting as UP board president. She loves sharing her passion for theatre with her family. The heathens.
KristjarNielson
(Portia)
Mark it for a sign -- she's back. (Or did she never leave in the first place?) Last spring in Something Rotten, then in Young Frankenstein with the Carriage Lane Players, there was something strange. Eerie, even. Maybe now the spirits will be put to rest.
MelissaRosolen
(Lady Clapham)
Mel is thrilled to make her debut with UP as Lady Clapham! Returning to the stage after many years, she is delighted to perform alongside such a talented cast. Originally from New Jersey, Mel grew up immersed in theater and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance. She later worked professionally with the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, a children’s theater group in upstate New York. Over the years, she has appeared in various community theater productions, worked as a film extra, and currently serves as a board member and singer with the Pemigewasset Choral Society. When not on stage, Mel enjoys hiking, swimming, skiing, and spending time with her three sons, family, and friends. Enjoy the show!
AdamShatney
(Shylock)
Adam is very excited to back on the stage for his second performance with Theater Up! You might recognize him from last falls production of Fiddler on the roof, cast as Mordcha the Innkeeper. He is thrilled to be cast is Shylock. He is thrilled to be bringing the humor of Something Rotten! to life with his fellow cast.
MichaelLamontagne
(Tom Snout (Troupe), Chef 3, Workers, and Writers)
From an early age, Michael has been involved in theatre, both on and off stage. After graduation with a BFA in Drama Performance from Franciscan University of Steubenville, Michael has returned to his home of St. Johnsbury to continue sharing his love of performing. Some of the roles Michael has played include Richard III in Shakespeare’s Richard III, Gomez Addams in The Addams Family, Prince Charming in Into the Woods and Edward Ferras in Sense and Sensibility. Michael also has been heavily involved in children’s theatre, directing shows for the Vermont Children’s Theatre and St. Johnsbury Academy, as well as writing original pieces.
AndrewHudson-Sabens
(Robin (Troupe), Chef 2, and Writers)
Andrew is a Vermont native, delighted to perform in his 3rd Theatre Up production. Previous favorite stage roles include the title role in Candide, Cyril (Princess Ida), Le Remendado (Carmen), Angelina (Trial By Jury), Mordred (Camelot), and Neville (The Mystery of Edwin Drood). He has also performed as soloist for several works including Orff's Carmina Burana, Bernstein's Chichester Psalms and Choruses from The Lark, Julius Eastman's Joy Boy, Vaughan Williams' Hodie, Arvo Pärt's Passio, Steve Reich's Proverb, Rachmaninoff's All Night Vigil, and Sora Jederan-Shpack's Moses from the Qur'an: A Mother's Love; among others. He's enjoyed performing with a variety of vocal ensembles, and currently sings with Halcyon Chorale, Continua Hospice Choir, and the North Country Chorus.
BjWilliams
(Peter Quince (Troupe), Chef 1, and Writers)
Bj is excited to be tackling one of the more controversial and relevant characters in all of modern American theater. While no stranger to the North Country stage, this is Bj’s first non-musical role in 15yrs. Recent credits include: Chad in Disaster!, Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Lt Frank Cioffi in Curtains, Daddy Warbucks in Annie, Jacob (the maid) in La Cage Aux Folles, Ned Schneebly in School of Rock, and John Wilkes Booth in Assassins. Bj is inspired by the passion and dedication shown by this cast and crew! And he is in awe of Andrew’s ability to consistently select material that challenges and enriches. Most importantly, Bj is grateful to his wife Katie for supporting his love of theatre! If you see him delivering mail around Bethlehem (his day job), feel free to give a wave.
ScottBlack
(Snug (Troupe), Lead Man, and Writers)
Scott Black is ready to act and convict some witches! With this being his first play after plenty of musicals, Scott Black is excited for the new challenge. Scott Black for Congress 2026
MarcLamontagne
(Francis Flute (Troupe), Minstrel, Workers, and Writers)
Marc Lamontagne (he/him) is so excited to be a part of TheatreUp’s production of Something Rotten! Other Up shows he has been a part of include Assassins (Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald) and, most recently, Fiddler on the Roof (Motel Kamzoil). He is also currently a member of the North Country Chorus and a founding member of Halcyon Chorale. When not performing, he is a Behavioral Technician at Kingdom Autism Behavioral Health, and plays Dungeons and Dragons whenever he can find a moment of free time.
MakennaAllen
(Townspeople Ensemble, Fortune Tellers, Waitress, and Rosalind)
Makenna Allen is a special education teacher located in Littleton. She has done three shows in the pastt with TheaterUp including a Midsummer Nights Dream and La Cage Aux Folles. She was also a part of season 57 and 58 at the Weathervane Theater as a scenic charge. Makenna is excited for a new opportunity to hop on stage.
MalloryBlanchard
(Townspeople Ensemble, Bard Babes, Haggard Woman, and Fortune Tellers)
Mallory is honored to be a part of the cast of Something Rotten! You may of recently seen her as Tzeitel in Theatre Up's production of Fiddler on the Roof. She is continually inspired by the talent and passion that Theatre Up brings to each and every production. Mallory first stepped onto a stage at age 5 at the Weathervane Theatre and it has been a lifelong love of performing ever since. She is very grateful to have found this amazing theatre family at Theatre Up! Shout out to her husband Anthony for being her biggest supporter in everything she does!
CRISTOPHERCHOATE
(Townspeople Ensemble, Fortune Tellers, Foreman, Doorman, and Guards)
JosieCromer
(Townspeople Ensemble, Psychic Woman, and Helena)
Josie is more than excited to be playing with Theatre UP once again. Her recent roles include Chava in Fiddler on the Roof (Theatre UP) and Schwarzy in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (TASIS Portugal). She is so grateful to be performing with a group like UP!
CharlesKing
(Townspeople Ensemble, Workers, Guards, and Eyepatch Man)
Hello! I am super excited to be performing again! You have might of seen in La Cage Aux Folles, or a pucks boy in A Midsummer Night's Dream.
CeirraManassa-Curnin
(Townspeople Ensemble, Bard Babes, and Fortune Tellers)
Ceirra (she/her) is happy to be joining her first performance at Theatre Up! Growing up in productions in the Northeast Kingdom, some of her favorite roles have been Gina Wells (Amelie), Molly Aster (Peter and the Starcatcher), and Mother (Trail to Oregon). When she’s not onstage she can be found working at Kingdom Autism and Behavioral Health or singing in the North Country Chorus.
HannahShowalter
(Townspeople Ensemble, Astrologer, Panicked Woman, and Miranda)
Hannah is so happy to be back with Theatre Up! Hannah is a recent Keene State College graduate with a BA in theatre and Dance focused on acting! Since graduating Hannah has taken residency with the Weathervane Theatre, where she is the wardrobe supervisor, and has started dipping her toe into the world of stage management! Hannah has worked on shows like The Wedding Singer, Everyone is talking about Jamie and Cabaret! Hannah wants to take this opportunity to thank Theatre Up for welcoming her back with open and loving arms! Hannah is so proud of all the kids' work and hopes that they Just Keep Swimming!
AudiaFeagler
(Puritan Ensemble and Messenger)
This is Audia's 6th play with Theater UP!
You may have seen her recently in the ensembles of Disaster! and Fiddler on the Roof. She will be going to BICS in MA. next school year and is so appreciative of the amazing experiences she's been given here.
KathleenGallagher
(Puritan Ensemble and Painter)
With a passion for the theatre, Kathleen returns to the stage for her third Theatre Up production. When she isn't on stage, she enjoys getting her hands covered in paint, glue, and other crafting supplies. The theatre has always been her favorite place to be and is grateful to have found such a wonderful community that is Theatre Up.
JillKimball
(Puritan Ensemble, Valet, and Clerk)
Jill Kimball, is the current Director of Marketing & Communications for Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. This is her second performance with Theatre Up. “Theatre up shows offer a bit of joy for me, a break from the reality of day-to-day activities, where I can connect with my creative side and celebrate the arts with a wonderful group of people.” I’m so grateful to be part of this amazingly-talented, and professional theatre family.
SonyaSalanti
(Puritan Ensemble and Innkeeper)
Sonya never imagined she'd find herself adhering to a strict moral code, eschewing music and dance, and casting disapproving looks left and right. But here she is embracing her role in the Puritan ensemble. Sonya is grateful for the opportunity to explore her shadow side in her second production with Theatre Up.
LaurenThomas
(Puritan Ensemble, Pub Owner, and Master of Justice)
Lauren grew up surrounded by theatre, barbershop quartets, and musical performances. Although it has been many years since her last stage experience, she is excited to get back into it!
KadenBailey
(Tap Ensemble, Sad Egg, and Workers)
Kaden Bailey (Tap Ensemble) is excited to take the stage once again and lace up his tap shoes for Something Rotten! His previous favorite roles include Vanya in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Mendel in Fiddler on the Roof, and Sasha in Curtains. When he’s not performing, Kaden is a dedicated school teacher and an outdoor enthusiast who loves exploring nature. He is grateful for the support of his family and friends and hopes you enjoy the show!
AmandaCarron
(Tap Ensemble and Grim Reapers)
Time to breakout the tap dance shoes once again! Previous UP! roles include Sasha/bottle dancer (Fiddler on the Roof), Nikki Harris (Curtains), Tom Snout/Wall (A Midsummer Night's Dream), Lorraine (42nd Street), and Heather (American Idiot). Current roles include cat mama, enjoyer of mountains and reading, and thankful community member for your support of live theatre in the North Country.
NikkiDonahue
(Tap Ensemble)
Nikki Donahue is thrilled to return to the stage as a dancer in the tap ensemble for “Something Rotten!” Nikki has previously been seen as a dancer in four other Theatre Up shows; 42nd Street, Oliver!, La Cage Aux Folles, and Curtains. In short, one of Nikki’s passions in life is dancing; which she has done since she was a little girl (thanks for funding that dream, Mom and Dad!) When she’s not on stage, Nikki can be found binge-watching The Real Housewives or deep-diving into the latest Taylor Swift fan theory about the drop of “Reputation: Taylor’s Version”. Nikki would like to give a shout out to her fellow tap dancing eggs for the encouragement to look silly and her partner, Andrew, for the support to pursue this passion even if it makes life hectic for a few months!
KassidyMoore
(Tap Ensemble and Bard Babes)
Kassidy is SO excited to be tapping her way into another show! You may have seen her in favorite UP roles such as - Eve (Children of Eden), Hermia (Midsummer), & Bambi (Curtains)! She also has served as one of the UP Costume Designers for every show since 2022! Special shout out to the doctors & PT's who helped Kassidy get back to dancing after ankle surgery in September! She also wants to thank the sewing superstars for being so dedicated, her theatre friends for being more like family, her husband Garett for being the calm to her crazy, and her dogs Baxter, Juniper & VooDoo for being so freaking cute!
SabrinaOllerman
(Tap Ensemble and Grim Reapers)
Sabrina Ollerman is very excited to be back on the stage and dancing for Theatre UP! After she received her degree in Theatre from Florida State University back in 2023, and going to work for Walt Disney World in Entertainment Costuming for a year, she has found a home backstage running shows as Wardrobe Lead and a Stitcher, working for the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts’ professional season last year in Indiana. She is happy back in New Hampshire where she grew up and started her journey. As someone with a deep love for dance, Sabrina is ecstatic to be able to strap her dancing shoes back on and tap once more. She has a love for performing and creating, especially designing and making costumes. In her free time she's an avid reader and swing dancer.
MelissaOllerman
(Tap Ensemble)
Melissa is very excited to be dancing in another show for TheatreUP!! She previously enjoyed dancing/performing with TheatreUP in 42nd Street, Oliver and La Cage aux Folles. Thanks to all my friends and family who encouraged me to do this again.
ErinTalcott
(Tap Ensemble and Grim Reapers)
Erin is excited to be dancing in her 5th Theatre UP show. Thank you to her husband Sam and daughter Lily for all their love and support.
Lynne’s passion for theatre began in high school and continued at the CW Post Campus of Long Island University, where she majored in Theatre and learned the ropes both onstage and behind the scenes. She performed in many productions, including summer performances in New York City, and worked on set construction, sound, and assistant directing. Eventually, Lynne changed majors and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education and her Masters in Education. Thirty years later, she found herself stage managing “The Drowsy Chaperone” for Theatre UP, and her love of theatre was reignited. Lynne is thrilled to be part of the UP organization.
ShoshanaLieberman
(Music Director)
Shoshana is a sort of musical theatre utility player. Past shows with TheatreUP include Curtains (vocal director, percussionist), Blithe Spirit (assistant stage manager), La Cage aux Folles (vocal director, violinist, dance ensemble), Oliver (violist), 42nd Street (Andy), and Children of Eden (Yonah). She would like to thank Andrew for the opportunity to combine her two loves of playing instruments and acting. Also, she would like to thank her cats Bean and Ersken for no particular reason at all.
MadalynSheehy
(Choreographer)
AlexanderMacKinnon
(Stage Manager)
EmmaGooden
(ASM)
JakobBerbrich
(Charge Artist)
GeorgeMitchell
(Tech Director)
MeganGallagher
(Wardrobe Assistant)
TBD
LauraRead
(Wardrobe Assistant)
Laura Read graduated from Keene State College with a BS in elementary education and a BA in voice and theater. She is grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of several Theatre UP shows during the past few years, and is looking forward to helping out with the amazing costume pieces that will be featured in this one!
LenaBroach
(Lighting Designer)
LiamAbbate
(Lightboard Operator)
This is Liam's second show with Theatre Up. Liam acted in Fiddler last Fall. When not on stage, Liam likes hiking and downhill skiing.
ZachBrown
(Sound Designer)
Zach (Sound Designer) has been involved in theater on and off for over 25 years, having worked with a wide variety of companies. He is humbled and honored to be welcomed into the Theatre UP community and invited to contribute so significantly to the amazing work this group does. Zach owes a great debt of gratitude to the leaders, performers, and audiences of Theatre UP, as well as the small dedicated group who work tirelessly behind the scenes to craft the worlds we visit on stage. If you like to learn and try new things, he invites you to join in. No matter who you are, you will be welcomed and appreciated here.
JenniferDonovan
(Property Designer)
Jennifer has been with the company for many seasons. Previous roles include the Dragon (Shrek), Cassandra (Vanya,Sonya, Masha and Spike) and Yenta (Fiddler on the Roof). She would like to thank her husband for his patience and her son for unending support.
JessieLanham
(Orchestra Manager/Drums)
KristenBushway
(Keyboard)
ScottCramer
(Keyboard)
MarciaOkun
(Keyboard)
KevinEmerson
(Trumpet)
A veteran of 5 TheatreUp musicals, Kevin has been performing locally with the North Country Community Band, Lancaster Town Band, Whitefield Town Band, Newport (VT) Summer Band and the Northeast Kingdom Wind Symphony. A graduate of Purdue University in Indiana, he performed around the world with the "All-American" marching band and as a fanfare trumpeter at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games and 1987 Pan American Games.
ScottFoote
(Trombone)
CynthiaWissocki
(Violin)
DavidPolito
(Guitar)
EvanChase
(Guitar)
DavidSaikin
(Bass)
KevinSilva
(Reeds)
ℹ️ Looking for someone? Anyone who is both cast AND crew will only appear under Cast Bios.
Special Thanks
Thank you to our show sponsors! Bruss Project Management & Clarkson Davis serve as our project manager and capital campaign manager as we venture forth with the renovation & construction of our new venue. We are incredibly grateful for their guidance and support.
