The Black Box Theatre

Black Box Theatre 12-Hour Play Competition, May 3

Sign Up Deadline: April 27

The popular Black Box Theatre 12-Hour Play Competition is back at MCC this spring. The Competition challenges groups of 2-6 people to write, rehearse, and perform a ten-minute play within 12 hours. Groups will arrive at 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, and work through the day until performances begin at 7 p.m. that evening.

There is a cash prize awarded for the winning play. Food and beverages will be provided throughout the day. There is a $25 entry fee per group. Be prepared to stay all day. The competition is open to the public.

Interested groups can sign up here through April 27 »

The competition will be held at The Black Box Theatre at MCC. Park in Parking Lot C and enter Building E.

For more information, email jgeller@mchenry.edu or call (815) 455-8746.

Arsenic and Old Lace — Fall 2025

MCC presents Arsenic and Old Lace, the classic dark comedy by Joseph Kesselring, directed by Jay Geller. 

Set in Brooklyn, New York, in the 1940s, Arsenic and Old Lace follows drama critic Mortimer Brewster as he discovers his sweet, elderly aunts have a deadly secret: they poison lonely old men with elderberry wine laced with arsenic. As Mortimer tries to deal with his eccentric family—including a brother who thinks he’s Theodore Roosevelt and another who’s a homicidal maniac—chaos and hilarity ensue.

The production features set design by Dan Frank, lighting design by Deb Homen-Madden, and costume design by Carol Foreman, with stage management by Nicole Weber and technical direction by Chris Adkins. Chelsea Boesiger is the assistant director, and Holly Adkins is the scenic painter.

The cast includes Holly O’Hair, Travis Greuel, Max Saunders, Kathie Comella, Robert Boyd, Robert Kaempfe, Greg Waldyn, Kae Schaefer, McKinley Shine, Mark Drinnenberg, Aidan McTague, Nathan Forrester, and Addyson Oates.

Performances

Arsenic and Old Lace opens on October 31 and runs on November 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16.
Evening performances are at 7 p.m., and Sunday performances are at 2 p.m.

Reservations

Tickets are $17.85 for students, MCC employees, seniors, veterans, and MCC alumni and $23.18 for the general public.

Auditions

The Black Box Theatre at MCC is proud to announce auditions for the premiere of the new musical comedy I'm No Shakespeare, book, music, and lyrics by Michael Hillstrom. Auditions will be held in The Black Box Theatre from 6–9 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, December 1 and December 2, with callbacks held on Wednesday, December 3, from 6–10 p.m.

The production will be directed by Jay Geller with musical direction by Michael Hillstrom.

I'm No Shakespeare tells the story of Kinny, a guy trying to find the love of his life. Navigating the world of all types of dating and aided by his friends, Kinny explores the question many people face: Do we need a significant other, or can we find happiness living a single life? This musical comedy illustrates the craziness and insanity of dating in the 21st century.

• I'm No Shakespeare Roles

  All characters are in their 20's to early 30's

  • Kinny (C3-A4 Tenor). Kinny is an educated, self-conscious reference librarian and aspiring writer. Frustrated with his dating life, he considers advice from all his peers.
  • Snelly (C3-G4 Tenor). Snelly is Kinny’s close friend. He is a somewhat rude and blunt waiter at an insult restaurant.
  • Lance (C3-G4 Tenor). Lance is a wise and energetic gay man. He is encouraging in his cousin Kinny’s search for peace of mind.
  • Fella (C3-G4 Tenor). Fella is humble man with an inferiority complex. He’s in denial about his unsatisfying marriage to an overbearing wife.
  • Hank Stone (C3-G4 Tenor). Hank is an electrician who is dedicated to his work. He recently met Allison via online dating.
  • Second Amendment Steve (C3-G4 Tenor). Steve is a conservative.
  • Johnny Promo (C3-G4 Tenor). Johnny is a singer/songwriter who plays acoustic guitar and sings his 2 songs on stage. When off stage, Johnny will ideally play electric and acoustic guitars in the pit band.
  • Mandy (A3-G5 Mezzo soprano). Mandy is a stay-at-home mother whose husband left her a year ago. She is interested in Kinny, however she is nervous and awkward in a crowd.
  • Heather (B3-E5 Mezzo soprano). Heather is an educated, articulate woman who meets Kinny via online dating.
  • Allison Moore (G3-D5 Alto). Allison is Kinny’s childhood friend. A kind and decent caretaker-type, she recently met Hank via online dating and offers Kinny her advice.
  • Ella Mennopee (F3-D5 Alto). Ella is Fella’s overbearing wife who finds a reason to complain in any situation.
  • Lisa (G3-D5 Alto). Lisa is an annoyed server at a coffee shop. She goes on an unsuccessful date with Steve.
  • Rosalind (Non-singing). Rosalind is cynical, impatient, angry, and frustrated with her dating life.

Participants are asked to prepare a 1-2 minute upbeat song along with the sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. Additionally, dress to move for the dance audition.

The play is open to MCC students and community members of all backgrounds and experience levels. All roles are open. We encourage actors of all ethnicities, genders, and body types to audition.

Rehearsal will be every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6-9:30 p.m. and 5-8:30 p.m. on Sundays beginning January 12. The production will run two weekends February 27, 28, March 6,7 at 7 p.m. and March 1 and 8 at 2 p.m.

For more information, call (815) 455-8746 or email jgeller@mchenry.edu.

Sign up to audition for I'm No Shakespeare »