Plain and simple – it’s pure entertainment. Playing now through May 14th on the Connor Palace stage of Playhouse Square, ‘Something Rotten!’ is an irreverent homage to musicals and the joy of the stage.
This 2-hour and 20-minute show is both a blitz of jazz hands, and a personal game of name-that-show. But note: this bawdy and brash spectacle is NOT for the kiddies!
Simply put, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are out to find the next big thing in writing plays. Unfortunately, the 1590s Renaissance writers are competing with story-god William Shakespeare! While Will was once a member of their own group, he is now on his own and kicking their literary butts. So after Nick consults a fortune teller, the brothers set out to write a MUSICAL (insert large arm gesture here!) But is the information that Nick receives accurate?
With the star power of Tony® nominee Rob McClure as Nick Bottom, Broadway’s Josh Grisetti as Nigel Bottom, and Tony® nominee Adam Pascal as power player William Shakespeare, this tour is bursting with talent.
‘Something Rotten!’ is “The Producers + The Book of Mormon x The Drowsy Chaperone. Squared!” (New York Magazine).
The pacing is quick. The story is provoking. The tap dancing is terrific. The costumes are flashy. The songs are catchy and hilarious. And the love!!! Oh there is love!
The infatuation between Nigel and puritan PortIa is adorable. The seething rivalry between Nick and Will is beautifully sculpted and cunningly played. Bea (Nick’s wife, played by Maggie Lakis) is hilarious as the understanding but firecracker of a wife who’s willing to pull her weight for the household.
With sequins, codpieces, leather, feathers, and OMELETTES, ‘Something Rotten!’ will have audiences in stitches while saying “WTF?!” through tears of hilarity.
For those ready for a challenge, see the Wikipedia listing below of the musicals that are referenced in ‘Something Rotten!’ There are countless Shakespearean quotes and more, as well. See how many YOU can pick out – it’s a challenge. It’s a game. It’s a quest!
Run! Do not walk to the final week of ‘Something Rotten!’ at Playhouse Square, playing through May 14 on the Connor Palace Stage. Tickets are $10-$95. Call 216-241-6000 or visit www.playhousesquare.org for more!
MUSICALS referenced in ‘Something Rotten!’
The Producers
Avenue Q
The Phantom of the Opera
The Fantasticks
Gypsy
West Side Story
Chess
Lady Be Good
Evita
Little Shop of Horrors
La Cage aux Folles
Miss Saigon
42nd Street
Cabaret
Mary Poppins
Godspell
The Lion King
Sunday in the Park with George
Guys and Dolls
Sweet Charity
Hello, Dolly!
Cats
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Chicago
Annie
Fiddler on the Roof
The Sound of Music
Pippin
On the Town
South Pacific
Seussical
Newsies
Rent
Jesus Christ Superstar
Les Misérables
The Music Man
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Wicked
Dreamgirls
A Chorus Line
Into the Woods
Kate Klotzbach 