Kristin Adams-Bondy describes Niles High School’s fall play as “decidedly not Disney.”
That’s because “The Brother’s Grimm Spectaculathon,” a comedy by Don Zolidis, takes a look at traditional fairy tales with a satirical view.
The audience will recognize most of more than half a dozen stories the production pokes fun at, such as Cinderella, Snow White and Rumplestiltskin. What the audience won’t see coming, however, is the way the stories are spun and woven together.
Adams-Bondy, the show’s director, said it’s the perfect format to showcase her cast’s natural skills.
“I look forward to seeing them get to be their silly selves on stage, try something new and go for it,” said Bondy.
Junior A.J. Bartkowiak and Katelyn Mueller have two of the most prominent roles as they narrate the entire production.
Bartkowiak, who is in his second fall play, said he’s excited to be back.
“It (The Brother’s Grimm Spectaculathon) is such a beautiful idea that I had to do it,” said Bartkowiak. “Plus it is so much fun to work with Ms. Bondy and the rest of the cast.”
Each actor isn’t just playing a character; he or she is playing an actor playing a character. Adams-Bondy said that’s part of the challenge and part of the fun.
“It’s silly, but they have to work really hard to make it work,” she said.
The show runs at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the high school auditorium.

CAST

Katelyn Mueller — Narrator 1, Enchantress
Andrew Bartkowiak — Narrator 2, Devil 1
Marina Thornton — Actor 1, Princess
Katelyn Phillips — Girl, Actor 2
Nevada Rodriguez — Dirt Merchant, Host
Austin Stanage — Rumpelstiltskin, The Wolf
Madelyn Holtgren — Prince 1, Prince 3
Breanna McFadden — Rapunzel, The Devil’s Grandmother
Matthew Gobulski — Prince 2, Elf Cobbler
Brandon Bielski — Hansel, The King
Madison Hilligoss — Gretel, Witch 1
Nola Wallace — Witch 2, Dwarf 1
Taylor Frazier — Mother, Talking Fish, God (voice)
Emily Casey — Fishergirl, Giant (voice), Snow White
Rachel Mackey — Girl Without Hands, Devil 2, Walt
Elijah Ernsperger — Father, Frog Prince, Crab 2
Chloe Mattiford — Crab 2, Doctor, Little Red
Brayden Swathwood — Dwarf 2, Woodcutter