I'm No Shakespeare
A Frustrated Writer's Love Life
A new
musical
comedy!
Book, Music, and Lyrics
by
Michael Hillstrom
contact:
michaelhillstrom1@imnoshakespeare.com
Left alone by his fiancée, aspiring writer Kinny searches for a new partner despite the hopeless futility of online dating.
After questionable advice from a waiter, a single mother, a poor songwriter, and an unhappily-married friend, Kinny is encouraged by his flamboyant cousin Sage.
Though hindered by his drinking habits and reluctance to move forward,
Kinny meets Heather at an insult restaurant, and their second date is at a disappointing musical in the community playhouse.
Ultimately, Kinny faces this philosophical question:
Does he need a significant other to find peace of mind, or will he brighten his future by boosting his self-esteem before further dating?
After Rosalind leaves Kinny, Snelly suggests throwing a party despite Kinny's tendency to drink excessively, which they describe as "Chillin' the Bone."
Attempting to win Rosalind back with brilliant writing, Kinny admits, "I'm No Shakespeare."
Friends Allison and Hank encourage Kinny to flounder through the online dating world, advising that he "Give It Time" before expecting results.
Kinny's cousin Sage encourages him to get out there and date again. "You'll Be Alright!"
After her first date with Kinny, Heather delivers her soliloquy: "Appetite for More."
Before Kinny's second date with Heather, Snelly voices his complaints about musicals, especially those with "One Song" that doesn't fit in!
I'm No Shakespeare
I'm No Shakespeare
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I'm No Shakespeare
at McHenry County College, 2026
CAST
Kinny- Cesar Pelayo
Rosalind- Kendall Berg
Snelly- Emiliano De Casas
Allison- Carla Rivera-Soto
Hank- Jake Seelye
Mandy- Lorelei Galvicius
Steve- Skye Schoen
Sage- Morgan Tolentino-Siazon
Ella- Spencer Olivia
Fella- Aidan McTague
Johnny- Ivan Leiva
Lisa- Addyson Oates
Heather- McKinley Shines
Ensemble- Misty Hansen
PIT BAND
Jimmy Minard- conductor
Brooke Mackowiak- flute
Will Cooper- clarinet
Jose Herrera- saxophone
Ivan Leiva- guitars
Tara Singer- keyboards
Annie Ballin- bass
Ellie Maciaszek- drums
PRODUCTION CREW
Jay Geller- producer, director
Randi Jonites- choreographer
Chelsea Boesiger- assistant director
Molly Stockwell- stage manager
Dan Frank- set design, tech director
Nicole Weber- lighting design
Josie Hannon-Geller- costume design
Mason St. John- building crew
Olivia Greenwald- running crew
Michael Hillstrom- playwright, lyricist, composer, arranger,
music director, vocal coach, rehearsal accompanist