John O'Farrell is one of the UK's best known comic authors and script writers. Best-selling novels include The Best a Man Can Get, May Contain Nuts and The Man Who Forgot His Wife. Non-fiction includes An Utterly Impartial History of Britain, the political memoir Things Can Only Get Better and its recent sequel plus three collections of his satirical columns for The Guardian newspaper. O'Farrell's books have been translated into thirty languages and adapted for BBC Radio and television. Winner, British Comedy Award. Previously a writer (and later panelist) on BBC's Have I Got News For You and lead writer on ten series of ITV's Spitting Image. Currently writing the sequel to Chicken Run, and adapting one of his novels for Sony International Pictures.

Karey Kirkpatrick began his career as a screen and songwriter for Disney Animation where he penned The Rescuers Down Under and James and the Giant Peach. With more than a dozen feature films produced, screenplay credits include Chicken Run (Golden Globe nomi­nee for Outstanding Comedy), Charlotte's Web, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The Spiderwick Chronicles and Over the Hedge, which he also co-directed. He directed the Paramount Pictures film Imagine That starring Eddie Murphy and co-pro­duced, wrote and performed on the film's soundtrack. He recently directed the Warner Brothers animated musical SMALLFOOT for which he also co-wrote the screenplay and the songs (with brother Wayne). He has won a number of Tony, Oscar and Grammy awards and that number is zero. Other credits: husband of Nada, father of Sami, Maia and Finn.

Wayne Kirkpatrick - Composer/Lyricist (he/him)
Wayne Kirkpatrick is the Grammy Award-winning songwriter of Change the World by Eric Clapton (Song of the Year). Top 10 singles include Every Heartbeat, Good for Me (Amy Grant); Wrapped Up in You (Garth Brooks); Boondocks, Bring It on Home, Little White Church (Little Big Town); Place in This World (Michael W. Smith). He is a multi-formatted song­writer with songs recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Faith Hill, Joe Cocker, Gabe Dixon, Trisha Yearwood, Babyface and Peter Frampton, among others. His songs have been featured in TV shows (Grey's Anatomy, True Blood, Hart of Dixie) as well as feature films (Almost Famous, Phenomenon, Smallfoot). Wayne lives in Nashville with his wife Fran and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame for 2018. Favorite produc­tions: Kourtney, Shelby and Carson.

Nick Bottom - Thompson Sewell (he/him)
Thompson is a senior Dramatic Art major with a minor in Global Cinema Studies, and this is his third and last show with KTC. Something Rotten was the first production Thompson saw on Broadway when he was a kid; he has dreamed of being in it ever since, so he is absolutely elated and honored to now have the opportunity to not only be in it but to have it be his last show as a student at UNC. There are many he would like to thank, but, above all, he thanks the Lord for His providence, and he thanks his family for their unwavering love and support.


Shakespeare - Erica Bass (she/her)
It’s here. It’s happening. It’s hard. After 6 shows with KTC (and one with Company), this is officially the last time Erica will step on the Kenan stage as an undergraduate actor. What a way to go out! Huzzah!


Nigel Bottom - Tim Yardley (he/him)
Tim is a junior at UNC and is thrilled to perform in his first KTC show! His favorite past role is Jack in Into the Woods. He wants to thank his family, Alli, Cole, Jill, LaToya, Sanjana, the extraordinary cast, & every person who is here to support him! #tGbtg #gdtbath


Nostradamus - Carissa Wadsack-Stewart (she/her)
If dramatic art is what you need, then she can help you. If psychology is what you need, then she can see you. If neither is what you need, then she can foresee you leaving very shortly after you watch her ultimate performance with the Kenan Theatre Company. She is overjoyed to be a part of this process and is grateful to every person she got to share this eggselent experience with.


Brother Jeremiah - Kong Xoua Moua (he/him)
From the start of an actor by being broken hearted from a breakup, Kong Xoua shares the passion of comedy, love, and music through the storytelling of characters. He hopes that you will be enthralled by his performance. It might be quite rotten!


Tom Snout - Evan Jeppson (he/him)
Evan is a sophomore and he's already done a couple shows here at UNC! He loves you all! (and says hi!)


Peter Quince - Andrew Wade (he/him)
Andrew is a senior Dramatic Arts major and this is his 3rd KTC show of the season. He is extremely excited to sing and dance with his Something Rotten! cast and close out his undergraduate theatre experience. Heaven help us because there is indeed something rotten…


Portia - Maddie Rohan (she/her)
Maddie is a Junior Theatre Arts and Communications major here at UNC. She is ecstatic to be in her first KTC production! She’d like to thank the cast and crew for all their hard work.


Bea Bottom - Lindsay Wheeler (she/her)
This is Lindsay’s second musical with KTC and she is beyond excited to be part of such a fun performance. She sends much love to all of the cast and crew, to the music directors, choreographer, and to our director. And most of all, a huge thank you to her family and friends for your belief and support always, I love you!


Lady Clapham - Caroline Marques (she/her)
Caroline is a senior majoring in Dramatic Arts and Global Studies. She is beyond excited to be in her fourth and last KTC production alongside an incredibly talented cast and crew. She would like to thank her family, friends, and professors for their support and love throughout her college journey. She hopes you enjoy the show!


Snug The Joiner - Michael Michas (he/him)
It is a pleasure to be making a theatrical debut as a part of KTC with Something Rotten. Sending my best wishes, love from my heart, sweat from my brow, to all the cast and crew of the Drama Department and additional helpers here at UNC that poured their hearts out to make this production so much fun to do in the first place. Further, thanking two wonderful parents and one wonderful sister as well as the rest of the family for their love and wealth of wisdom as without their support then this show would never be where it is now; thank you all for your patronage and ENJOY THE SHOW!


Shylock - Malia Tucker (she/they)
Malia Tucker is a freshman here at UNC. She is a Dramatic Arts major and this is her second production for KTC and her second production in college!


Robin/Nigel cover - Franklin Kennedy (he/him)
Franklin Kennedy is a junior majoring in Biology with Chemistry and Musical Theater Performance minors. This is his second show with KTC following his performance in Urinetown as Old Man Strong, and he is more than thrilled to return to the stage! Outside of the theater, you can catch him singing in his a cappella group, Tar Heel Voices, whose spring concert is Friday, April 19! He would like to especially thank the cast and crew of Something Rotten! for their dedication and support that have made this show so incredible. Love to Mom, Dad, Claire, Catherine, and Toby.


Minstrel/Francis Flute/Shakespeare US/ Troupe Cover/Dance Captain - Ellie O'Connell (she/her)
Ellie O'Connell is a first-year Dramatic Arts and Sociology major beyond excited to be in her first KTC show. Ellie has had an absolute blast working on this show and is so grateful for this incredible cast, crew, and pit and this truly formative experience. She is looking forward to the wonderful years ahead in UNC Theatre and hopes you love the Renaissance as much as she does!


Lead Guitar - Garrett Thomas Hughes (he/him)
My name is Garrett Hughes, and I am a Biology Major and Chem and Music Minor here at UNC Chapel Hill. Aside from Guitar, I am a fluent Pianist and Multi-instrumentalist. I am also a Tubist and Bassist for the Marching Tar Heels.


Trombonist and Bass Guitarist - Alyssa Knott (any)
Alyssa is a junior majoring in mathematics and is currently focusing on improving her musical background. She loves musical theatre and somewhat likes Shakespeare.


Violin - Martha-Grace Jackson (she/her)
Martha-Grace Jackson is a junior at UNC double majoring in computer science and music. Outside the classroom she works as an undergraduate teaching assistant and volunteers at local nursing homes.


Tenor/Alto Sax - Jake Langenderfer
Jake is a junior Psychology major with a Spanish for the Business Professions minor. He plays in the marching band and basketball pep band, acts in productions on campus, and writes for the Onyen. He is playing tenor and alto sax in this show.


Trumpet - Charles Kelley (he/him)
Charles is a freshman trumpet player. This is his first musical and he enjoyed playing something new.


Pit Keyboardist - Swathi Jayakumar (she/her)
This is Swathi's third play as pit keyboardist and first performance with KTC, so she is very excited! Swathi is an avid lover of all musicals (anything "musical" really), with her favorite on screen production being La La Land and favorite broadway show being MJ the Musical. Swathi wants to thank her dad for beginning her piano journey and supporting her decisions throughout and her piano teacher for shaping her into the pianist she is today.


Drum Set - Kong Shia Moua (he/him)
He's in the back corner and you can't see him. The one who's bringing the groove to the stage one beat at a time. It's your drummer Kong Shia Moua.


Pit - Abby Poirier (she/her)
Abby is a sophomore music education major at UNC. She plays flute and piccolo, and dabbles in alto saxophone for things like this show. Other than music, she likes to draw and play Sims and Zelda!


Ensemble - Maddie Cashen (she/her)
Maddie is so excited to be in her first KTC musical! Earlier this season, she performed in The Seagull (Shamraev) and produced Men on Boats. She really likes tap dancing and eggs (separately).


Ensemble - Kate Merrin (she/her)
Kate is a first-year studying Biology and Chemistry at UNC, and she is beyond excited and grateful to be a part of this production! This is Kate’s first show with KTC and second musical at UNC, previously participating in Company Carolina’s “Alice By Heart.” Kate would like to thank her family, friends, and the wonderful cast, crew, and creative team for all of their guidance, love, and super fun times.


Ensemble - Spenser Brenton (she/her)
Spenser is so excited to perform in her first show with Kenan Theatre Company!! Much love and thanks to her mom, dad, sister, and wonderful friends for their endless support. A big thank you to the entire creative team of this show, as none of it would have been possible without them.


Ensemble - Georgia Wood (she/her)
Georgia is so excited to be in her first KTC production! She thanks the production team, her family, and her friends. Enjoy the show!

Technical Director - Lucas Branch (he/him)
Meet Lucas Branch, the mastermind behind the magic of lights, sound, and all things technical! Hailing from a realm where cables dance and spotlights sing, Lucas brings a touch of whimsy to every production. With a toolbox full of tricks and a mind swirling with creativity, he’s the wizard who turns ordinary stages into enchanted realms. When not wielding a soldering iron or wrangling rogue microphones, you might catch Lucas pondering the mysteries of the universe over a cup of coffee or engaging in intense debates about the best way to coil cables with David Navalinsky.


Producer - Kathryn Robinson (she/her)
Kathryn is a junior Dramatic Art and Communication major, minoring in Conflict Management. Previously with KTC she produced "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare", as well as stage managed "Urinetown", "Dance Nation", and "Men on Boats". Some of her other credits include directing "Rent" with Pauper Players, and stage managing "Alice By Heart" with Company Carolina. She hopes you have as much fun watching the show as she had working on it!


Stage Manager - Ripley Reid (she/they)
Ripley is a Dramatic Arts major graduating this May. Something Rotten is the third show she has worked on with KTC, having also been on the stage management team for Kemps and Nia. She would like to thank her friends Rune and Duck for always being there for her, as well as her family for their love and support.


Assistant Stage Manager - Katherine Ryan (she/her)
This is Katherine’s first KTC show, and she’s so excited to be here. She enjoys doing musical theatre and this is her first musical here in Chapel Hill. She wishes the cast and crew luck and sends love!!


Assistant Stage Manager - Aryan Kale (he/him)
Do it with luv


Assistant Music Director/Conductor - Cole Swanson (he/him)
Cole is a keyboardist, vocal coach, and music director who active with several musical theater and opera groups throughout the triangle. In recent years, he has collaborated with the Durham Savoyards, Paradox Opera, and Stone Soup Theatre Company. He received his PhD in Musicology from Duke University in 2023.


Choreographer - Jill Guyton Nee (she/her)
Jill Guyton Nee is a freelance dance artist in the triangle area. She received her MFA from The Ohio State University, and later served as Associate Professor and Head of Dance and Musical Theatre for 10 years at the University of Memphis, before moving to North Carolina. She extends her gratitude to UNC KTC for having her join for this fun experience!


Lighting Designer - Bronwyn White (she/her)
Bronwyn is an undergraduate senior studying Dramatic Art with a minor in Studio Art. She has worked with KTC as Assistant Lighting Designer for Anna K. and as Lighting Designer for Urinetown: The Musical! and Dance Nation and is excited to finish off her College Career with Something Rotten! She wants to send out a special thanks to Skyler, Quinn, Simba and Dave for being the ones who helped make her lighting design possible and to her parents, Joseph, Madelyn and all her friends and family who have been her biggest cheerleaders and supporters through every show she has worked on.


Assistant Lighting Designer - Skyler Clay (she/her)
Skyler is a Junior at UNC, majoring in Communications and AAAD. Despite knowing little to nothing about Shakespeare, she is grateful for the opportunity to work with Bronwyn on this show and learn from her expertise.


Light Board Operator - Meilin Gregg (she/her)
Meilin is a senior and math/computer science major. She worked on The Seagull this Spring and is excited to work on crew again!


Spotlight - Everson Moran (he/him)
Everson Moran is Senior at Carolina studying political science. He loves theater and is excited to help bring y'all a great production!


Props supervisor - Alex Woo (he/him)
Alex is a first-year student, and he is thrilled to supervise props for his fourth production with KTC. He wishes everyone would get something fresh out of Something Rotten! 🍅🥚


Sound Designer - Christine Johnson (she/her)
She hopes you enjoy the show 🙂


Assistant Sound Designer - Megan Cvijanovich (she/they)
Megan is a dramatic art and english double major with a passion for romance books! This is her fourth production with KTC so far and their first time working on sound since middle school! They would like to thank everyone for all their hard work and dedication in putting this show together.


Sound Crew - Keygan (she/her)
She assists with anything that the sound assistant and manager need. She tapes mics, take notes, helps when needed.


Costume Designer - Madison Bender (she/her)
Madison Bender is sophomore and double major at UNC, where she studies Dramatic Art and Communication, as well as being in Writing for the Screen and Stage Class of 2026. This is Madison’s third show with Kenan Theater Company, and her second as the costume designer, having previously worked on Spring Awakening in 2023. Madison would like to thank the the cast and crew for this wonderful experience, as well as her parents for being so supportive of her. To the audience, “Thanks for coming and enjoy the show!”


Assistant Costumer - Julia Prabel (she/her)
I am a sophomore majoring in Public Policy and Women and Gender Studies and I am minoring in Dramatic Arts. This is my first show with KTC! I've been involved with Pauper Players' the Rocky Horror Picture Show for the past two years and Company Carolina's Sloshed Shakespeare in Spring 2023. I can't wait for you all to see Something Rotten!


Co-scenic designer - Katie DuHaime (she/her)
Something Rotten is Katie’s first production with KTC as scenic designer. She wishes to thank Dave for giving her this wonderful opportunity for she has deeply enjoyed the experience and is so proud of both the cast and crew for the amazing production they have produced.


Director of Undergrad Production/Co-scenic designer - Dave Navalinsky (he/him)
Dave loves musicals so much and can't wait for everyone to see Something Rotten! He also wants to thank Quinn and Kathryn Robinson, he couldn't do it without them. And Cheryl, she's the best.


Crew - Melanie Moo (she/her)
Melanie Moo is a senior majoring in English and Comparative Literature. She has worked on one production before and is excited for Something Rotten!