Notre Dame Football Players Test Song-and-Dance Skills

Football Coach Kevin Rooney of Notre Dame High will be looking at his players differently after watching five of them sing and dance in the school’s spring musical, “Once Upon A Mattress.”

Receiver Todd Fenton, tight end Noah Reeder, linebacker Stephen Stromsborg, running back Darin Barton and lineman Serkan Sahin all have roles in the school production.

“They’ve been fabulous,” said theater director Judy Welden.

Fenton, who will attend Brown University, has a major singing part. He plays “Sir Harry” and gets to kiss “Lady Larken,” played by Molly Hanrahan.

“It didn’t take long learning that,” Fenton said of the kiss.

As for football players singing and acting, Stromsborg said, “It’s a way to express ourselves. I really enjoy it. It’s a whole different atmosphere.”

Said Fenton: “I’m having a great time. It’s fun to hang out with these guys on another level.”

Rooney didn’t know what to think of the players’ singing abilities.

“They all sing in the shower after weightlifting,” he said. “Everybody in the locker room told them to shut up.”

Barton and Stromsborg are juniors who arrive at school at 6 a.m. for weight training and don’t get home until after 10 p.m. on nights the play is taking place.

“They really have to budget their time,” Rooney said.

The play runs through March 27 in the campus theater.

For ticket information: (818) 501-2300.