Montini Catholic Alum Mac Brandt ‘98 Makes Broadway Debut in Good Night, and Good Luck
Barb Dawson • March 14, 2025
Congratulations, Mac!
Montini Catholic alum Mac Brandt ‘98
is making his Broadway debut in the highly anticipated Broadway production of the renowned film, Good Night, and Good Luck, at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City. Directed by Tony Award® winner, David Cromer, Mac plays the role of Colonel Anderson sharing the stage with two-time Academy Award® winner George Clooney.
After two decades away from the stage, working in television and film, Mac Brandt has built an impressive career. Known for his standout roles starring as C.O. Mack Andrews in Prison Break, Mac Sullivan in Kingdom, Ross Curtis in SEAL Team
and notable appearances in Joker: Folie à Deux, Barbie, Lovecraft Country, Criminal Minds, The Thing About Pam, 9-1-1, For All Mankind, Grey's Anatomy, and many others. Mac is overjoyed to return to the stage and bring the acclaimed film, Good Night, and Good Luck, to life.
Mac comments,“The experience has been amazing! I knew it would be but it’s been even better than I imagined. After two decades of just doing TV and film, it is a wonderful experience to be part of creating something from the ground up- That’s the true joy of theater.”
“Good Night, and Good Luck
came completely out of left field, it's been 21 years since I’ve done a play,” says Brandt. This production marks a significant full-circle moment for Mac returning him to his theatrical roots as well as reuniting him with director David Cromer, who was not only his professor in college but also the director of his first professional theater role in Journey’s End
(2003). Twenty-one years later, Mac is thrilled to reunite with Cromer in this exciting return to the stage.
Mac’s journey to acting and performing started right here at Montini, where he discovered his love for performing. Mac shares, “The musicals of course, the Mr. Montini contests, and even basketball halftimes, all shaped my love of performing” After graduating from Montini, Mac earned a theater degree from Columbia College Chicago, initially envisioning a career in Chicago theater with the occasional commercial gig. However, in a rare coincidence, the show Prison Break
was filming in Chicago, “a rarity at the time”, and Mac booked the first season. In 2005, he made his television debut as Corrections Officer Mack Andrews, in the crime drama series Prison Break, launching his career in film and television. Shortly after, he made the move to Los Angeles. Since then he has forged his path in the industry, taking on a range of roles across television, film and now back to theater.
With an extensive list of credits, when asked which roles have stood out the most to him, Mac says, “It’s hard to point to a single role above others.” Still, a few hold special for him, Mac admits, “Kingdom
was an amazing experience that I’ll always cherish. Being in the last Joker
movie was incredible because I grew up a comic book fan. And now, Good Night, and Good Luck
has brought me back to the World Series of theater.” Reflecting on the surreal path that led him from Montini to the Broadway stage Mac reveals, “There have been countless surreal moments along the way- but honestly, the most surreal part is that I get to make a living doing something I’ve wanted to do since first grade.”
Mac Brandt ‘98 has carved a career nothing short of incredible. From Spring Musicals at Montini to television and film and now to the Broadway stage, Montini Catholic could not be prouder to see one of our own chasing their big dreams, and actually living them on the largest stage. Mac, the Montini community is always supporting and cheering you on from a far. Break a leg!
Mac’s Broadway run in Good Night, and Good Luck
at the Winter Garden Theatre began on March 12th, 2025 and runs through June 8th, 2025.
Mac Brandt, photo courtesy of O&M
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Montini Catholic in Lombard proudly congratulated this year's Pax Christi Instrument of Peace Award recipient from their Class of 2025. The prestigious award was announced on Friday, May 16th, during the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Celebration of Excellence Award Ceremony. This year's Pax Christi Instrument of Peace Award went to senior Daniel Sherman . Each year, this esteemed award recognizes a Bronco student who has devoted him/herself to God by working in the Lasallian tradition of serving others and building a heritage of faith in the Montini community. Daniel is a two year member of Montini's Peer Ministry Team - a faith-based team whose Christian mission is to inspire and motivate by example. He also earned his Eagle Scout rank which recognizes those who have a strong record of voluntary service to their community. He is a member of Montini's Lasallian Youth as well as a member of Montini's Student Government Exec Board. Academically, Daniel was most recently recognized as an Academic All Star at Montini's Academic Awards on May 1st. The honor is awarded each year to seniors attaining a 3.95+ GPA during their time as a Bronco student and/or earning Illinois State Scholar status. He is an Illinois State Scholar and an AP Scholar with Honor. He is a member of Montini's National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and earned a Commendation Toward Biliteracy Award (Spanish) this year. During his time as a Bronco he enjoyed Chess Club, Math Team and History Club. Athletically, he was a four year team member of both the Cross Country and Track teams, earning Academic All Conference in both all four years. Daniel was also awarded the St. John Baptist de La Salle award during the Celebration of Excellence ceremony. "Daniel is a wonderful example of someone living our Lasallian mission," said Campus Minister Michael Blanchette. "He truly deserves this award as he has shown himself to be a dedicated young man who truly demonstrates dedication, reliability, and a commitment to his education and personal growth." Daniel, a graduate of St. Scholastica School in Woodridge, is headed to University of Wisconsin (Madison) this fall.
On behalf of the Considine Family Memorial Fund , Montini Catholic proudly awarded the 2025 Colleen Helen Considine Memorial Scholarship to senior Lily Spanos. The award, given to a senior who has demonstrated impressive academic and leadership achievements along with creativity and writing talent, was presented on May 1st at the Lasallian college preparatory high school's annual Academic Awards Night, and again, in front of Montini's entire student body, during their Celebration of Excellence Awards ceremony on Friday, May 16th. Lily, who served as President of Montini's Student Government this year, was most recently named an Academic All Star and was awarded the President's Award for Academic Excellence. She is a member of Montini's National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. She also served her fellow students as a Peer Tutor and represented Montini to potential Broncos as a Student Ambassador. Lily also received Montini's St. Pope Paul VI Award for her service to the Bronco community as a member of Peer Ministry and the Gold Academic Medal for her work as President and Exec Board member of Student Government. Athletically, Lily was a two sport athlete (golf and basketball). Her final year on the Girls Basketball Team proved to be her best, as she helped to take the Broncos to a 3A State Championship celebration, earning an All Conference selection and IBCA All State Honorable Mention honor in the process. "We couldn't be more happy for Lily," said Montini Catholic President Kevin Beirne. "From the moment she became a Bronco, she has shown herself to be a true leader with a passion participation. She will be missed here at Montini, but we can't wait to hear about her many successes beyond our doors." At the age of 33, Colleen Helen Considine's life was tragically cut short. In an effort to honor her memory, the Considine family established an annual scholarship for Montini Catholic senior girls exhibiting many of the personality and leadership qualities that Colleen possessed. Colleen's mother, Mrs. Joan Considine, was the English Department chair and faculty member for twenty-eight years at Montini Catholic. In the years prior to her death in 2015, Mrs. Considine chose the recipient of the scholarship each spring based on her experiences as a teacher with her students. Today, students hoping to receive the $2,000 scholarship are asked to submit a written essay describing an event that touched them and inspired them to pursue excellence. Of the applications received this year, Lily's best captured the essence of the award. Since its inception, over thirty talented young Bronco seniors have received this special scholarship. Lily is a graduate of St. Petronille School in Glen Ellyn and a member of St. Petronille Parish. She will be attending Dickinson College in Pennsylvania and pursuing a Business and Management degree. Image above: Lily Spanos with Colleen's niece and nephew, Maryfath Considine '27 and Peter Considine '25
Montini Catholic, on behalf of the Karl Weiger Family, announced the twelfth annual Johnathan Weiger "Johnny Always Wins" Memorial Scholarship recipient, William Howenstein, from the Bronco Class of 2028. William is a graduate of Gregory Middle School, Naperville. William received recognition from the Weiger Family at the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Celebration of Excellence Awards Ceremony on May 16th. Each year, members of Montini's incoming freshman class are invited to submit an essay in order to be considered for the scholarship. The Weiger Family selects a student displaying high moral character, a deep commitment to their faith, and achieving academic excellence at the grade school level, to receive the scholarship. William will receive a scholarship of $1,000 per year during his four years at Montini Catholic. Johnny Weiger joined Montini's school community for the 2011-12 school year as a member of the Class of 2015. He was also a member of Montini's football team with aspirations to continue his football career at Notre Dame. During Johnny's freshman year, he was diagnosed with leukemia. After undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant, his leukemia was cured. As Johnny was preparing for his sophomore year, however, he was hospitalized with a rare blood disorder commonly referred to as TTP, which can be caused by a bone marrow transplant. He passed away on November 4, 2012 due to complications from the TTP. Throughout his battle with leukemia and TTP, Johnny displayed the spirit of a champion. He always showed great courage, fight and a deep commitment to his faith." The legacy of Johnny Weiger is celebrated every year at Montini Catholic's annual Johnny Football Game. Fans wear orange to spread awareness for those battling leukemia. Eighth grade students accepted to Montini Catholic (after taking Montini's December 6, 2025 Placement Test) will be invited to submit an application for the 2026-27 Johnny Weiger Memorial Scholarship in January of 2026. Image above: William Howenstein '28 with Karl and Fran Weiger (Johnathan's parents) and Johnathan's sister, Lauren
