Bypassing the typical out-of-town tryouts, Something Rotten! has hit Broadway, landing itself at the St. James Theatre. The Musical has received a number of glowing reviews, and has already been nominated for 10 Tony awards. So, what is it about the show that has critics raving? Is it the script? Is it the cast? The director? The answer may very well be all three.
Set in the Elizabethan era, Something Rotten! tells the story of two brothers setting out to best Shakespeare by putting on Europe’s first musical. With goofy irreverence and a good deal of Elizabethan humor, Something Rotten! is sure to be fun for all. The script alone promises to win theatre-lovers over, brimming as it is with playful references both to “future” musicals and to the more well-known Shakespearean texts such as Hamlet.
“With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, Something Rotten! is an uproarious dose of pure Broadway fun and an irresistible ode to musicals — those dazzling creations that entertain us, inspire us, and remind us that everything’s better with an exclamation point!” – Playbill Vault
Perhaps central to the script’s success is the amazing group that teamed up to tackle the fifteen-year project. The Musical started as the seed of an idea nurtured by real-life brothers Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick. The idea took on a clearer form as humorist John O’Farrell – known for his work on the script for Chicken Run – joined the writing team in 2011. Add to the mix director-choreographer Casey Nicholaw – famous for his successes with The Book of Mormon and Aladdin – and you have the best foundation a Musical could ask for.
Of course, let us not forget the importance of the cast selected to bring this creation to life. The talent in this Musical will feature several Tony Nominees – Brooks Ashmanskas, Brad Oscar, and Brian d’Arcy James – as well as Tony Award Winner Christian Borle, who will be playing the famous Bard himself.
Performance dates have already been scheduled through the 3rd of January, 2016. Don’t miss this spectacular show!