Mundelein Theatre to stage 'Stranger Than Fiction'

Mundelein Theatre at Mundelein High School will present the Group Interpretation production of "Stranger than Fiction" by Zach Helm at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 16 and 17, in the MHS Auditorium.

Tickets will be available at the door and are $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors.

Mundelein High School is at 1350 W. Hawley St., Mundelein.

Group Interpretation is an IHSA-sanctioned event where schools compete against other schools with a chance to earn the opportunity to compete at a State Final tournament. Group Interpretation is a 30-minute, student-led performance of a literary work. The focal point of the performance is "out" to the audience with limited onstage focus. The performance is minimal in nature, meaning that performers wear a uniform dress (not costumes) and build a minimalistic set.

Sound effects are permitted, but no lighting, specific costuming, properties or theater makeup can be used.

Mundelein will perform in sectional competition Sunday, March 19, at Lake Park High School. If they qualify for state competition, that will take place in April.

"Stranger than Fiction" is about Harold Crick, a lonely IRS agent whose mundane existence is transformed when he hears a mysterious voice narrating his life. With the help of Professor Jules Hilbert, Harold discovers he's the main character in a novel-in-progress, and that the voice belongs to Karen Eiffel, an eccentric author famous for killing her main characters in creative ways.

Harold must quickly track down Eiffel and stop her before she conjures up a way to finish him off.

English Instructor Mark Landuyt is the Group Interpretation director, with Josie Hutson as assistant director. Cast members include Joey Salit, Katie Staroszczyk, Natalie Williams, Henry Dumblauskas, Jenna Panos, Ashley Carrier, Jake Cumberland, Anooha Dasari, Allan Rodriguez, Abby Smith and George Stedman.