Albany Civic Theater presented "Something Rotten" in April 2023

If you were looking for hilarity, impish behavior, and a wee bit of innuendo, you didn’t have to look further than the musical “Something Rotten."

Throughout the entire month of April, the Albany Civic Theater (ACT) ran performances of the musical comedy, directed by Christi E. Sears. Set in the 1500s, it is a tale of two brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom, who are both considered Bards and rivals of Shakespeare. Between the songs, the acting, and the pot shots at Shakespeare, the play and cast married well together in simple harmonies to create an evening of pure entertainment.

“I love the music,” said Sears. “I’d been listening to the music and I saw a little bit on YouTube and I love farcicals. And to have it be a farce and a musical, that the music combines a lot of shows that you’ll hear and go ‘oh, I know that show, I know that show because they’re from other musicals.”

When creating the cast that brought “Something Rotten” to life at ACT, Sears looked for personable people who could sing, as well as have a group dynamic during auditions that flowed naturally.

“We observe them not only on the stage, but how they interact within the structure of the audition process. You can find out a lot about somebody. We were looking for those who wanted to enjoy the process and have a great time and who would compliment each other well,” said Sears. “Because they are going to create the characters and they’re going to bring them to life.”

And a marvelous job she did. The flow of dialogue between characters was seamless, as were the harmonies that were sung. There certainly couldn’t have been better choices made when casting.

These were not professionals, mind you. They were just folks who loved to act and sing. Sharing those characteristics with their fellow cast members truly is what made this performance so memorable.

“We felt like a family from day one. We worked, yes, but it didn’t feel like work. We laughed, sang, learned to dance (some of us having a harder time than others), and never took ourselves too seriously, “ said Christa Tillman, part of the Ensemble.

First written as a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, “Something Rotten” played 708 performances on Broadway beginning in April 2015. Music and lyrics composed by Karey Kirkpatrick and his brother, Wayne Kirkpatrick, the play met rave reviews and earned 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Actor Christian Borle, the original William Shakespeare, won the show’s only Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

Since its original release, it has toured not only through the United States, but also internationally. And now, it can add Albany, Oregon to its credits.

Set in 1595, the musical tells the tale of two brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom, played by actors Ryan McWayne and Jonathan McQuay. They run a theater troupe and are looking for their next big hit. One that will annihilate their largest rival: Shakespeare, played by Dean Keeling.

Nick seeks out the guidance of a soothsayer, Thomas Nostradomus. Played by thespian Pat Megowan, Nostradomus is the nephew of the French astronomer, Michel de Nostredame. He “sees” into the future and tells Nick that the future big thing will be…MUSICALS! This sets the stage for some very creative songs, such as their first play suggestion – “The Black Death.”

Hijinks and innuendos ensue as Shakespeare makes the scene. As the Bottom brothers clear rival, he goes incognito to steal their next big idea. In the end, he is successful, but not before the Bottom brothers stand trial for debauchery by the local Puritans.

Nigel fell in love with the wrong girl…Portia, played deftly by Melissa Gutierrez. Portia is the daughter of the Puritan leader, Brother Jeremiah, who was played by William Brown. The court proceedings end with the Bottom brothers being found guilty and sentenced to exile in America. Portia chooses to go with Nigel and the entire troupe is banished with them.

Shakespeare’s new play becomes a success, and the Bottom brothers find their next big hit in their new homeland.

The play did not disappoint. Neither did the actors.

It was clear the cast understood the nuances of each innuendo, sarcastic comment, and song. Double that with some simple, yet outstanding sets,the audience was transported to the time of Shakespeare, albeit from an irreverent perspective.

While most of the audience adored the production, it didn’t make the grade for a few. Some felt the innuendos were a bit much and were not needed for the overall plot.

“I just didn’t understand why there was a need to be a bit raunchy. Does entertainment always need to include sex and innuendo,” asked Dorothy Richards, 81, from Jefferson, Oregon.

No, Dorothy, it doesn’t, but for “Something Rotten” it was part of a perfect recipe that left many laughing well after it ended. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!!

At-A-Glance

What: Something Rotten

When: April 7 - 29

Where: Albany Civic Theater, 111 First Ave. W., Albany, Oregon

Cast:

Director: Christi E. Sears

Nick Bottom: Ryan McWayne

Nigel Bottom: Jonathan McQuay

Shakespeare: Dean Keeling

Thomas Nostradamus: Pat Megowan

Bea: Frankie Caswell

Portia (Puritan): Melissa Gutierrez

Brother Jeremiah: Bill Brown

Minstrel (plus ensemble): Anya Corbitt

Shylock (plus ensemble): Ray Phipps

Lord Clapham (plus ensemble): Sam Sappington

Master of the Justice (plus ensemble): Douglas Hambley

Ensemble: Josiah Barnett, Ed Beaudry, Nancy Beaudry, Noah Camuso, Susan Jones, Shauna Kiefiuk, Christoph Littrell, Jennifer Moody, Olivia Pereyra, Dylan Renfro, Stephanie Schwarz, Madison Stevens, Christa Tillman, Adam Vester

Next up at ACT:   Moonglow, directed by Sarah Roth

                              June 23 - July 1

 

                              Disney's My Son Pinocchio Jr. - ACT Summer Camp (Special

                              Event), directed by Rebecca Douglas

                              Auditions: June 26 - 28

                              Camp Dates: July 31 - Aug. 18

                              Performances: Aug. 18 - 26

 

The Path to an Empty Nest

An hour ago she was here, packing her prized possessions into boxes and taking them out to the pickup truck.My little girl, now, is gone. Off to face the world, like a lion tamer entering the lion’s den. At only 19 years old, she left home the same way she came in, knowing exactly who she was and what she wanted.

I should be excited and proud of a job well done raising such an idealistic young woman. And I am, I guess. Mostly, however, I just feel like her old room – empty.

I received some chastising over the anticipation of this day. Those around me don’t understand how I can feel the “empty nest” syndrome when my 21-year-old son and girlfriend have just moved back home, and my 2-year-old daughter will be taking over where her big sister left off.

Soon that room will be bustling again with a young girl singing and dancing, racing her way toward womanhood and independence.

 

But it won’t be Peter.

 

“P” has left the building.

 

And with her, a big piece of my heart.

As I stand at the doorway staring at the abandoned space, I remember my little girl who loved to pose for the camera. Her feet facing me, knees and hips turned slightly to the left and her head aimed up and to the right. She was headed for stardom and she owned it.

I remember the hard middle school years as my Katelyn became Peter. Like many of that age, hormonal changes began to make her feel as though she didn’t know who she was. She tried on a few “labels,” including Peter.

My heart broke then and I felt as though I was mourning the loss of my daughter. Enraged at my behavior, it was she who set me straight. She made it clear she was the same person and her journey did not change that. It wasn’t me who had to live day in and day out in her skin, it was her, and she had the right and duty to be her true authentic self.

I knew who she was, even if she didn’t, but I realized then and there, this was a journey she had to take. I needed to be her support, that’s what she needed from me.

Singing has always been her passion. She started singing before she could even talk. In every school concert, she was always in the front row, thanks to her shorter stature, which she took full advantage of. At the end of every song, there was a curtsy or a bow from my little ham-bone. Everyone knew she was destined for the stage.As she grew, the acting bug grabbed her heart and held on with a mighty fist. During her first musical theater performance, I watched as my then 14-year-old daughter lit up like nothing else. After the final bows of the night, she flew off the stage, ran over the seats and jumped in my arms. She was in love and I knew it.

A year later, a new love came along. This time in the form of a young man. A conservative young man at that. It was not lost on me the philosophical differences between the two. I knew it wouldn’t last. 

I was wrong.

Now, three and a half years later, she has left home to start a new life with that same young man who will be my son-in-law. They have found a way to make their differences work and have begun their journey into a brave new world.

 

And I am left here staring into a dark, empty room.

Wading in Further (Testing the Journalism Waters)

Hello again! 

 

Last term I began with "TipToeing Into Journalism." This term I am "Wading in Further." 

 

Journalism was not my major, nor is it now. However, it is a different style of writing than I have ever done, so I find the challenge exhilarating.  What's different this term? Well, last term was the "facts and just the facts, ma'am" news reporting, while this term will be take a story and add some personal opinion and emotions. Right up my alley! I am really looking forward to stretching and expanding my abilities as a writer. I have known for some time that writing was a love of mine. Now I am finding it to be more so. Now, it is a passion.

 

So, what has happened since I last posted? Well...I completed my program in Practical Business Management and will be walking in graduation this coming June. EXCITING!! 

 

Spring Break did not bring a ton of downtime as household chores beckoned. Oh, don't worry, I took more downtime than I should have, but work was required. Thankfully my son and his girlfriend graduated from Job Corp and moved home, so we had help!

 

I am still writing for the Commuter this term, and have an added bonus of being named the Feature Editor. Due to a lack of a editor for this term, we are grouping off and each taking a portion of the duties. I am honored and excited to fill this role. I hope I do it justice!!

 

Lastly, what am I looking forward to learning this term? Once again, honing my writing skills is tantamount in my mind, but now I also get to see if my editing skills will hold up. This is the step I need to become the writer I want to be. 

Three goals for this term:

1. Excel at feature writing
2. Be an outstanding editor
3. Find a job

Hey,thanks for indulging me for a minute!

It's all I have to say...for today anyway!