By Deidra O’Brien.
Many of us who enjoy theatre are familiar if not friendly with the bard, William Shakespeare. May 20 through June 24, he saunters the Mainstage at Theatre Three, along with the Bottom brothers, in a smashing production of Something Rotten directed by Jeffrey Sanzel. The Kirkpatrick brothers developed this musical comedy from pondering what it may have been like to be a writer in the Elizabethan era in the colossal shadow of one of history’s most renowned playwrights. We see this as protagonists Nick (Ryan Nolin) and Nigel (Andrew Boza) Bottom try to defy the odds and write a hit.
From the opening number, where the Minstrel (Jae Hughes) delivers a buttery “Welcome to the Renaissance,” to the formidable finale, the musical numbers grip the audience. The company numbers conjure awe with entertaining choreography by Sari Feldman and Josie McSwane, as ensemble members give performances throughout the show that make use of the whole stage and beyond. Scenic designs by Randall Parsons and lighting designs by Stacey Boggs elevate the show further. The multilevel tudor set puts us in the midst of the Renaissance and cultivates some beautiful staging during the company numbers, while the lighting amplifies a party-like atmosphere. One such number is “A Musical” where a hilarious Nostradamus (Dennis Setteducati) shares with Nick Bottom the secret to defeating Shakespeare (Evan Teich).
The cast as a unit portrayed their characters well to compose a successful musical comedy; they hit the musical notes and the punchlines. The Bottom brothers are both ambitious, but one brother seeks to write from his heart and the other seeks to outdo his rival and simply make a living. Andrew Boza builds Nigel Bottom as earnest yet green, clearly the younger brother, through facial and vocal expression. Whereas, Ryan Nolin depicts Nick as desperate, then hubristic, all resulting from complex motivation that draws sympathy. This show could be done without a Shakespeare character – the name itself is massive enough to propel the plot. Yet, Evan Teich (Shakespeare) gives merit to having the antagonist walk the stage and provoke both the Bottom brothers and the audience, swaggering over walking and smirking instead of smiling.
Dramatic irony, employed by authors Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, keeps the plot charged. We all know who gets credited with penning Hamlet, yet we can’t look away from the characters as they play right into fate, a device commonly used by Billy Shakes. While I am a fan of Shakespeare and enjoyed all the quips and references, this is still a show that will entertain beyond the Shakespeare enthusiast.
Don’t let your recollection of suffering the slings and arrows of reading Shakespeare in ninth grade dissuade you from Something Rotten. Be the master of your own fate and have fun at the show!
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes with one 15 minute intermission.
Advisory: Adult language and innuendo. Also, be aware of the use of stage fog and flashing lights.