Molly Shannon surprises in 'SNL' cameo as high school theater teacher in revived sketch

In an extended sketch featuring most of the Saturday Night Live cast, Will Ferrell appeared as a quirky and abrasive high school drama teacher. What becomes more entertaining than one troublesome teacher portrayed by Ferrell? Two — with the second being played by Molly Shannon.

The pair of SNL colleagues (both alumni from the mid-90s to the early 2000s) came together in a humorous routine spotlighting the worries of drama students. They were anxious about the announcement of roles in the spring production of Grease. This sketch is a revived version, initially cut during Ferrell’s previous hosting appearance in 2019.

Jeremy Culhane, one of the featured players, dressed in a felt hat, acted as a student who had just landed a role in a Cheerios advert as a background character. Ferrell’s teacher character clearly showed signs of jealousy. 

Meanwhile, Veronika Slowikowska played a quirky student, who amusingly exclaimed “girl boner!” while chatting about everything from Jacob Elordi’s current projects to the teaching assistant character played by Mikey Day.

One of the standout lines of the evening saw Ferrell’s character claim that his “all white” interpretation of The Color Purple was “courageous,” despite receiving criticism.

Next, Kenan Thompson made a short appearance as the choreographer, wheeling in a resistant Sarah Sherman (whose character faced negativity from Ferrell's due to using a wheelchair). 

Then, Marcello Hernández and Kam Patterson appeared once again as the laid-back athletes. Shannon then burst in through the door, portraying Ms. Peebles, the choir director and music teacher.

She stepped forward, rejecting the notion her character was “overly touchy” with the boys. Insisting her “tough love” approach was effective, she invited another featured player, Tommy Brennan, to show off his top singing range. 

At this moment, it becomes quite predictable where the scene is heading when she requests him to sing. Nonetheless, the hilarity remains intact when Shannon mimics giving him a wedgie and adjusts his pose to prompt him to sing in a higher pitch.