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
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