Loyola theatre arts senior Ted Cordano produced and directed his own filmed version of an episode of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” this semester. The Nightman Cometh episode, a cult classic for fans of the show according to Cordano, features a musical produced by its main characters. Cordano said the musical in the episode has been staged live by the actors in the past and that other schools and universities have presented it as well.
“The musical itself..... well, you'll just have to see how crazy and absurd it is,” he said.
He said he decided to recreate The Nightman Cometh because he’s a huge fan of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and has always been interested in turning film into theatre. Because of COVID restrictions on gathering sizes and other seniors using the Department of Theatre Arts & Dance (TAD)'s spaces to produce, Cordano said he decided to film The Nightman Cometh instead of producing it live.
Cordano said he staged the episode in one of TAD’s acting studios as if it was performed in front of a live audience, but filmed it using the different camera techniques he learned through film classes at Loyola. His version of The Nightman Cometh features TAD students Haley Sliker, Vivian Bulleit, Cameron Maas, Nico Cardelli, Nick Bremer, and Mariola Chalas. He said Gabi Lopez Ruiz and Sebastian Phillips provided occasional technical support and that Duncan Becker, Mandi Wood, Sal Mannino, and C. Patrick Gendusa provided professional supervision as he worked.
Cordano said he’s thankful for the support he received while working on this project.
“It was a pleasure working with such a great and friendly amount of people,” he said.
There will be a viewing party of Cordano’s version of The Nightman Cometh Friday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. in Monroe 630. Students unavailable to attend in person can Zoom in to the watch party as well.