‘Something Rotten’ takes to Pentacle stage March 20 to April 11

From High School Stage to Community Spotlight —  Two young choreographers bring fresh perspectives to Pentacle’s ‘Something Rotten!’ this Spring

You know William Shakespeare. You may even know the comedy musical Something Rotten! But have you met the new dancing duo behind Pentacle Theatre’s Spring production? 

Yaradicxa Ramos Adame and Kaydence Gillespie — a North Salem High School student and graduate, respectively — are taking Salem by storm as co-choreographers of the show, opening on March 20. 

Set in Elizabethan times, Something Rotten! is about two playwright brothers desperate to outshine Shakespeare. The show is packed with big musical numbers, mistaken identities, and plenty of Easter eggs to delight both Shakespeare and musical theater fans alike.

Director Robert Salberg described it as: “If Monty Python were set in a Shakespearean setting — that is the nature of this show.”

Yaradicxa and Kaydence were both involved in the North Salem production of Something Rotten! last year, which provided some initial inspiration. But they’ve largely made this production their own.

“It’s so powerful to see that something that’s just in our heads can be taught and people can learn it,” Yaradicxa said. “It’s just amazing.” 

Yaradicxa, 18, has been dancing since she was little. She said most of what she knows comes from her involvement in musical theater in high school. She’s explored jazz, hip-hop, ballet, and tap — to name a few. 

Similarly, Kaydence, 21, was first introduced to dance in high school but has since tried ballet, tap, swing, and line dancing. 

The two were responsible for choreographing more than a dozen musical numbers in just a few weeks, then teaching them to the 26-person cast. They said it’s been a blast working through the process together. 

“It feels like we’re at a sleepover because we’re [working on the dances] in her living room, like … we’re in front of her mom, and she’s like, ‘Yes!’ ” Kaydence said, laughing. “It’s the greatest thing ever.”

The two attended the same high school for a year before Kaydence graduated. But their relationship has grown as they debut their first fully choreographed show together.

“Seeing everything she’s done here … has just been amazing,” Kaydence said about Yaradicxa. “I feel like a proud older sister.” 

Director Robert and Assistant Director Jill Sorensen said it’s crucial that theaters like Pentacle make space for new creative leaders to join.

“Unless we make opportunities to bring in fresh perspectives and new talent and mentor those folks, then your theater is not going to survive, right?” Jill said. “You have to make those opportunities.” 

Robert agreed, saying it’s common for small theaters to regularly rely on the same people because they know, trust, and care for them. But that can also burn people out. 

“If we don’t create opportunities for people to come behind them, number one, we’re losing out on just a different perspective, a different approach, fresh eyes, a new energy,” he said. “But we’re then going to end up, at some point, turning around and saying, ‘Well, who’s going to do blank?’ ”

Giving this opportunity to two young people was especially important to Robert, a teacher at Howard Street Charter School and executive director of Children’s Educational Theatre, since the two can now add the accomplishment to their growing resumes. 

And they’ve earned it; the rehearsal grind is hard. 

Pentacle performers audition for the musicals, then rehearse for months before the show opens. For the co-choreographers, that meant juggling their daily responsibilities as students before leading dance rehearsals.

“It was very hard to, you know, just flip the switch and be like, ‘Okay, full choreography’ when I was just in class, like, two hours ago,” Yaradicxa said. 

The two hope this isn’t just a one-off experience. Kaydence is studying music education with a minor in theater at Oregon State University. Her dream is to run a program like North Salem’s Theatre Arts Director Alyssa Bond, who Kaydence described as “a triple-threat kind of director.”

Yaradicxa said she wants to keep teaching. She’s always been told she’s a natural leader, and she holds several leadership roles at school. She likes hands-on activities and working with people — especially through dance.

“My dream would be to have a theater department, and her to be my choreographer,” Kaydence said, looking at Yaradicxa. The two smiled and laughed together. “That would be great. Big dreams,” they said, overlapping. 

Kaydence’s hope for audiences attending Pentacle’s spring musical is that they laugh and enjoy themselves.

“It’s this huge, big, flashy, ridiculous,” she paused, “…it is the most ridiculous, silly musical I’ve ever seen.” 

That sentiment was echoed by Jill, who said she loves the show because it’s light-hearted.

“I hope that audiences leave feeling a bit lighter, because things are heavy.” Jill let out a slight laugh and sighed. “We can escape for a little while.” 

Robert said there are deeper messages in the show for anyone who wants to find them — be true to yourself, for example, and have faith in your abilities. But at its core, this show is just a lot of fun. 

He said, “This is an any person’s show.”

Something Rotten!

When: 7:30 p.m. March 20-21, 25-28, April 1-4, 8-11, and 2 p.m. March 22, 29, April 4, 5. 

Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW

Something Rotten! will have three Wednesday night performances that benefit local organizations: March 25 will benefit the Children’s Educational Theatre (CET); April 1 will benefit Oregon Spirit Chorus; and April 8 will benefit Salem Symphonic Winds.

Tickets range from $28 to $43 each. Check online at pentacletheatre.org or call the ticket office at 503-485-4300 for availability and booking. 

Pentacle offers free viewings for two dress rehearsals by reservation only. These nights are for students, community service providers, and individuals with disabilities. More information is available on the theater’s website.

Something Rotten! includes some crude comedy but is considered suitable for all ages.

This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 27 (Spring 2026)

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Author: Natalie Pate