January 14-29, 2023 Set in Renaissance England, it's a play about playwrights, . Good question, SweetLips, given the examples provided in the linked essay. It's a second home to me," she said of the Ren. The musical opens with the Minstrel welcoming the audience to the English Renaissance ("Welcome to the Renaissance"). When: 8 p.m. Saturday and March 11, 2:30 p.m. Sunday and March 12, Where: Renaissance Theatre, 138 Park Avenue West. Cast: Rob McClure (Nick Bottom), Josh Grisetti (Nigel Bottom), Adam Pascal (Shakespeare), Maggie Lakis (Bea), Blake Hammond (Nostradamus), Autumn Hurlbert (Portia), Scott Cote (Brother Jeremiah), Jeff Brooks (Shylock), Joel Newsome (Lord Clapham), Nick Rashad Burroughs (Minstrel) 1NT | Los Angeles | December 31, 2017 | Starbabe's Master | Tracked JEREMIAH, PURITANS THEY GOT THE RIGHT, THEY GOT THE RIGHT TO BE TOGETHER JEREMIAH I NEED NO FURTHER PROOF . In order for something to pass, two named women must have at least one conversation about something other than a man. Ohio, as Brother Jeremiah, a scolding Puritan who tries to have the Bottom brothers thrown in jail; Allyson Szymanski of Adrian, Brother Jeremiah's daughter who falls in love with Nigel Bottom; Stephen Kiersey of Brownstown Township as . Bea, Nick's wife, tells them the events of her day and how she acquired their dinner as she serves it. What we felt at SOMETHING ROTTEN didn't rise to the level of being offended per se, more like being bummed out that this vein of comedy still has such a life in 2015. ", That could also describe "Something Rotten.". SOMETHING ROTTEN! Nostradamus: Glen Riggs In a desperate attempt to out-Bard the Bard, Nick consults with a soothsayer, who informs him that the future of theatre involves acting, singing, and dancing -- sometimes all at once! Breakdown: William Shakespeare is both the real life author of many plays and rival to Nick Bottom. Tom Farris, Amanda Ross The 2015 Original Broadway cast recording, and the piano-vocal selections But what the essayist describes in his essay are just plain old fag jokes. I would use the term "gay panic humor" to mean jokes about how nervous--or "panicked"--homosexuality makes straight men. Sheri Gross We. . Shrek the Musical Despite Nick's arguments, Bea goes out to do jobs that Nick claims are for men. Something Rotten! So I don't know why gays would want to come see it. Saddened by the loss of his love, Nigel becomes inspired to write a completely different play that is revealed to be Hamlet . She says that they always wanted a new country house and they are getting a house in a new country. Shakespeare shows the stress he faces while trying to write hits and manage his fame ("Hard To Be The Bard"). San Juan Capistrano, CA, Accessibility Statement Terms Privacy |StageAgent 2020. Osvaldo Mora . Bea is a very thoughtful person when it comes to her husband and his brother. Update as of June 17, 2022: We are so sorry to advise that all remaining performances of Something Rotten! appears courtesy of Fifth Third Bank Broadway in . The troupe and Nigel find out that Nostradamus is a soothsayer, and are horrified. If you continue to promote this filth and debauchery, I will see you tied to a post begging for mercy as I give you the rod. Shelly McDowell Something Rotten! The musical began with an idea that brothers Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick had had since the 1990s. Portia throws one last look at Nigel. Something Rotten! And what role are you auditioning for? When some of the actors become suspicious of Nostradamus and why he is at their theatre, Nick lies and says that Nostradamus is an actor. The Puritans leave and Nick tells Nigel what the soothsayer said, but neglects to tell him that it was not Nick's own idea. He describes his character as the "brains of the operation.". Broadway-First Preview March 23, 2015 . When Portia and Nigel bump into each other, they fall in love at first sight. Bea enters, disguised as a lawyer, and makes Nick confess that he stole from the Money Box. Something Rotten! Suppose that's good, and I always enjoy the silliness, but then I fell off that fence years ago[only ended up with a limp wrist]. Brother Jeremiah interrupts the lovers and takes Portia away to be imprisoned in a tower for disobeying. Bea tells him how she could help them out, but Nick is ambivalent ("Right Hand Man"). Set in 1595, the story follows the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, who struggle to find success in the theatrical world as they compete with the wild popularity of their contemporary William Shakespeare. Chaviano will be making his Renaissance debut. They are rehearsing for their upcoming play "Richard II", whileWilliam Shakespeare (referred to as "The Bard") is openingRomeo and Juliet. The cast of the Bradford High School production of Something Rotten! Nigel asks the messenger if Portia can be his "plus one". Research Playwrights, Librettists, Composers and Lyricists. Brother Jeremiah - J. Michael Beech Lord Clapham - Dennis Delamar Shylock - Hank West Ensemble Charlton Alicea Tapp Jassi Bynum Bart Copeland Autumn Cravens . New Line Gear She is a strong leader and a powerful woman who is quite persuasive when she wants to be. Seeking 2 Actor Team for Spring "It's a fun time the whole way through," Citrino said. Nigel asks the messenger if Portia can be his "plus one". Nigel is not very happy with "Omelette" and claims that it doesn't feel right. Meghan Hornbacker She has made a deal with Shakespeare that they will be exiled to America ("To Thine Own Self" (Reprise)). Set in 1595, Something Rotten! Tenor (B2-A4). Created by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick, and screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell, SOMETHING ROTTEN! NIGEL: 30 to early 40s, male. Nick asks him what the next big thing in theatre will be, and Nostradamus says that it will be "A Musical", a play where "an actor is saying his lines, and out of nowhere he just starts singing." Nick thinks it is ridiculous but quickly warms up to the idea ("A Musical"). Nick sets out to write Omelette the musical, believing that he is going the be the new Shakespeare of the time. He tells the audience that "not everybody is getting what he wants", referring to Nick Bottom, who runs a theatre troupe with his brother Nigel. "I love the show, so I was happy to do it," he said. Evening Show Musical - Main Stage Theatre. to read our character analysis for Brother Jeremiah and unlock other amazing theatre resources! Once the audience arrives, they perform a bombastic dance number that has many references to modern-day musicals (such asThe Lion KingandThe Phantom of the Opera) ("Make an Omelette"). Beau Roberts, a familiar name to patrons of the Renaissance and the Mansfield Playhouse, portrays Nostradamus. Welcome to the Renaissance, where the Black Plague has ceded power to the Puritans, farthingales and codpieces are the latest fashion trend, and the biggest celebrity in England is a playwright named William Shakespeare. Hilarity ensues and absurdity reaches new heights, in this satirical spectacle that pokes fun at everything audiences adore about Broadway. Liliana Rodriguez as Portia, Johnny Fletcher as Brother Jeremiah, Greg Nicholas as Lord Clapham/Master of Justice, Dallas McLaughlin . Is it not worth examiningwhat the closet does to people, including through comedy? Shylock: Elmer Strasser, Peter Quince: Osvaldo Mora (u/s Nigel) Brother Jeremiah interrupts the lovers and takes Portia away to be imprisoned in a tower for disobeying. Ooh ooh Go on Do it Go on Do it right now Yeah! That's the goal of playwriting brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, who are in the shadow of the rock star of the Renaissance, William Shakespeare. [9] Some of the performances were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The show is so silly it's really hard to take anything seriously or be offended by its content. In the park, Shakespeare performs for the people ("Will Power"). Its target is the straight-male fear of penetration and his confusion resulting from his inability to read gay codes,coupled with hiscertainty that each and every gay man is trying to bed him. What we felt at SOMETHING ROTTEN didn't rise to the level of being offended per . "This is one of the funniest collections of actors ever to grace our stage. "I'm proud to say I'm a working actor. Just something for ya'll to chew on "Christian Brole as Will Shakespeare with his groupies.". For that type of person who looks to be outraged by anything I suppose they would have a conniption over aspects of Something Rotten!, but really it's harmless. Brian d'Arcy James (Nick Bottom), John Cariani (Nigel Bottom), Christian Borle (Shakespeare), Jenny Hill (u/s Bea), Brad Oscar (Nostradamus), Kate Reinders (Portia), Brooks Ashmanskas (Brother Jeremiah), Peter Bartlett (Lord Clapham, Master of the Justice), Gerry Vichi (Shylock), Michael James Scott (Minstrel, Ensemble), Linda Griffin, David . She renounces her father's ideals and joins the Bottoms, Shylock, and Nostradamus in exile. Nick is convinced that Shakespeare steals shows, as supported by the fact that Nick and Nigel (the Bottom Brothers) were writing Richard II and Shakespeare wrote Richard II shortly after. Nigel and Nick go home to their small house, and on the way Nick encounters Shylock the Jew. (Nick + Nostradamus). proto-feminist wife and Brooks Ashmanskas as Brother Jeremiah, Portia's literally Puritanical but clearly closeted father . Nick cannot stand Shakespeare at all, thus resulting in the song "God, I Hate Shakespeare." Nigel has just met Portia, a Puritan and the daughter of Brother Jeremiah, and they immediately fall in love. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz. Producer: Kathleen Breedveld Seeking a great comedic who sings. (22) March 23rd 2015, Broadway Unknown ~ MP3, untracked . Nigel's older brother. (Nick + Nostradamus), God I Hate Shakespeare,mm. Something Rotten! Lord Clapham, a patron who trusts the brothers and raises funds for their troupe, enters to announce that Shakespeare is doing "Richard II". . He says musicals are the next big thing, and he thinks that Nick is going to write the first one. Armored Closet Gay: Brother Jeremiah portrays himself as a staunch Puritan, if only to hide the fact that he's really, really homosexual (or, judging by the fact he has a daughter, bisexual). Sign up today to unlock amazing theatre resources and opportunities. 1 39. "everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace.". Bookstore "[16], "How 3 Broadway novices wrote 'Something Rotten! Nostradamus agrees to help Nick further with the creation of the musical, as he is sure it's going to be a big hit. Nick tells him that he shouldn't pursue her because she is a Puritan. If you love comedy combined with some of the most hilarious songs and dances you've ever seen, then 'Something Rotten' is the perfect show to get you out of the winter doldrums.". This story is part of a series of articles spotlighting Thespian troupes and the shows that earned them 2020 International Thespian Festival . They fall madly in love with each other over their mutual love for Shakespeare. The character who is upset about the burgeoning relationship is Brother Jeremiah, played by Robert Hardin-Leeth. . Same goes with this. Wiki | Fandom Wikis Advertisement Something Rotten! Caeli Baker "It's pure entertainment from beginning to end, and this team is absolutely first-rate. Nick thinks it is ridiculous but quickly warms up to the idea ("A Musical"). It's so chock-full of witty references and energetic dance; it's hard to see how it could be topped. Lord Clapham, a patron who trusts the brothers and raises funds for their troupe, enters to announce that Shakespeare is doing Richard II. Shakespeare's Richard II was obviously a hit compared to Nick's. We only provide suggested audition monologues or songs for an individual character if our system finds content that matches a character's traits. It was nominated for ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and won one (Christian Borle as Best Featured Actor in a Musical). In even more desperation, Nick gives all of his savings to Nostradamus asking to know what Shakespeare's greatest hit will be. Contact Us Full Synopsis Act One The musical opens with "The Minstrel" welcoming the audience to the European Renaissance ("Welcome to the Renaissance"). I thought it was, but that's a matter of opinion. Towards the end of the number, Shakespeare reveals himself and sues the brothers. , PURITANS WHOO! Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site. Nigel goes into the theatre the next day and tells Nick about his new improvements. It was illegal at that time to hire a Jew for much, so when Nick is forced to hire him, he has to watch out or he could be hanged, Shakespeare's Valet: literally how it sounds. The brilliant Shakespeare sitcom Upstart Crow The most interesting Hamlets: Laurence Olivier, 1948; John Gielgud, 1951; "She will do anything to help her husband make coin. We would love to hear all about it in the comments! Breakdown: Nigel is the younger brother to Nick and an aspiring play write. Chris Poston The show is a musical comedy set in 1595. He holds a grudge against Shakespeare. Reading and Singing Callbacks. ", VIDEO: FUNNY GIRL Announces Broadway Closing; New Performance Montage, McClure, Kritzer, Brightman, & Iglehart to Lead SPAMALOT. Portia! Shop Broadway Souvenirs in BroadwayWorld's Theatre Shop! However, when a Broadway theatre became available, Kevin McCollum decided to open the show without the Seattle tryout. Set in the 1590's, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard". Something Rotten! [Brother Jeremiah:] She's the daughter of a preacher man [Puritans:] Whoo! John O'Farrell He and the troupe prepare for the show ("Something Rotten!"). Shylock has become their new investor, though they cannot find a title that would make his role legal. New York, NY, Ages 12-17: Camp Broadway Ensemble @ Carnegie Hall Nick asks him what the next big thing in theatre will be, and Nostradamus says that it will be "a musical", a play where "an actor is saying his lines, and out of nowhere he just starts singing". - 93 = BROTHER JEREMIAH AND THEY GOT THE RIGHT. It reminded us of the gay panic humor we detested in BOOK OF MORMON, and especially the gay-panic humor in THE SCARLET PIMPERNELL years ago. . Results may vary. I didn't get it, but I almost do. Wayne Kirkpatrick, Late 40s to late 50s. Featuring show-stopping song and dance, a wacky cast of characters, and gut-busting comedy, Something Rotten! Nostradamus sees Hamlet but misinterprets it as "Omelette", among other mistakes (such as the Prince eating a danish pastry rather than being a Danish prince). Not Honey Nut Scooters. March 23rd, 2015 [Broadway] Brian d'Arcy James (Nick Bottom), John Cariani (Nigel Bottom), Christian Borle (William Shakespeare), Brad Oscar (Nostradamus), Heidi Blickenstaff (Bea Bottom), Kate Reinders (Portia), Brooks Ashmanskas (Brother Jeremiah), Peter Bartlett (Lorde Clapham/Judge), Gerry Vichi (Shylock), Michael James Scott (Minstrel)Notes: First Preview The production . Brother Jeremiah - Dave Landis Ensemble: Crystal Brothers, Mateo Calvo, Jordan Cardell, Cameron Crawford, Jasmine Gillenwaters, Andrew Hatfield, Alex Hutchison, Brandon King, Ty Lendermon, Samantha Miller, Cody Wayne Morris, Daniel Stuart Nelson, Shelbi Sellers, Haley Wilson Swings: Snowden Farnsworth, Courtney Noisette THE CREATIVE TEAM Bea wants Nick and Nigel to succeed, but she's also been fighting for women's rights in the Renaissance. Makena Mueller (u/s Bea) follows the tale of the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, who struggle to find success in England's theatre scene and compete with the astronomical success of their contemporary and The Bard himself, William Shakespeare. A messenger arrives with an invitation for Nigel to attend "Shakespeare in the Park" and an after-party. The wonderful book The Friendly Shakespeare In a rage, Nick goes back to Nostradamus with what he has left of the money he stole from the Money Box. Tom Farris, Tommy Lassiter (Shakespeare), Tory Speed (Portia), Tory Speed (Portia), Megan Bartlett (Bea), Tommy Lassiter (Shakespeare), Glen Riggs (Nostradamus), 2022 Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre You have to see the show to understand.) Portia sneaks out to see him, and they discover more about their similarities, especially in the way they both love poetry ("I Love the Way"). Hamilton22 said: "I don't know why gays would want to come see it.". I skip read the first post but unless it means when all else fails, throw in a 'are you being served' poofy joke and the populus will wet their breeches. Matthew Baker. The tour starred Matthew Janisse (Nick Bottom), Matthew Baker (Shakespeare), and Richard Spitaletta (Nigel Bottom) and was staged by Steve Bebout (associate director of the original Broadway production). They finally joined with John OFarrell to write several songs and presented those songs and a treatment to the producer Kevin McCollum in 2010. His full name is "Thomas Nostradamus" as revealed when Nick confuses him for /the/ Nostradamus. Something Rotten! An excited Shakespeare decides to disguise himself as "Toby Belch" and audition for the brothers' troupe in order to steal the play. He is completely disapproving of Portia's relationship with Nigel. After unsuccessfully trying to create the first musical about the Black Death, Nick goes back to Nostradamus asking what Shakespeare's greatest hit will be. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Playhouse on the Square: August 19th Sept 18th, 2022, Book by: John OFarrell and Karey Kirkpatrick, Music and Lyrics by Karey & Wayne Kirkpatrick. of a raging homo but is somehow a harmless ridiculous wink wink [always rather un-attractive] buffoon who succeeds in getting everyone[most] onside. Tickets Renaissance regular Leah Gesouras is back as Beatrice, Nick's wife. Lord Clapham/Judge . is a historical fiction, musical comedy. Robin: Andrew Kracht (u/s Brother Jeremiah, Minstrel, Nostradamus) Research Playwrights, Librettists, Composers and Lyricists, See more characters from Portia knows that Jeremiah is completely disapproving of her affairs, much less her relationship with Nigel. He rants about his hatred of Shakespeare to the troupe members, who are horrified ("God, I Hate Shakespeare"). Cast breakdown for Something Rotten! But the play is also making fun of him for being so homophobic. Bankhead Theater Livermore, CA The Bechdel Test is a measure of women's representation in media. A hurt Nigel scrambles out onto the street and is confronted by Shakespeare, who steals his hit under the guise of "improving it". A militant Puritan, and the father of Portia, a. It is witty and smart about its inside jokes, forcing you to stay attentive to every throwaway line and visual gag which skewer everything from Webster and Spenser toLes MizandDreamgirls. Something Rotten! That is another piece that was also performed at Theatre 166. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Despite Nick's arguments, Bea goes out to do jobs that Nick claims are for men. They are saving for a better life, and when Nick tries to open the Money Box, Bea smacks his hand away. RUSSO: Brother Jeremiah : JIM SLUDER: Portia : DANIELLE PAFUNDI: Shakespeare : EVAN TEICH: Nick Bottom : RYAN NOLIN: Nigel Bottom : ANDREW BOZA: Lord . All rights reserved. For tickets, $12 to $34, call 216-521-2540, ext. Is the joke funny? Andrew Kracht Ryan Citrino and Lukas Chaviano play Nick and Nigel Bottom, respectively. Ghostlight Records released the Original Broadway Cast Album of Something Rotten! Towards the end of the number, Shakespeare reveals himself and sues the brothers. As the Bottom brothers strive to write the worlds very first musical, they find themselves caught in a bitter battle with the Bard and the play's the thing. Overall, Nick is a very desperate and jealous character, but he is still one of the funniest characters in the show. I found it offputting. Upgrade to PRO Kevin Kline, 1990; Mel Gibson, 1991; Kenneth Branagh, 1996; Actually been a poster since 2004. Where: Renaissance Theatre, 138 Park Avenue West. SOMETHING ROTTEN START: 1/2 BROTHER JEREMIAH Side 2 of 2. "[15]Variety also pointed out that the song "A Musical" "simultaneously celebrates and sends up everything we hold dear about this peculiar art form, from the 'jazzy hands' of Bob Fosse to the synchronized line dancing of the Rockettes. Rachelle King Something Rotten! "Something Rotten!" - Ensemble "Make an Omelette" - Nick, Company "To Thine Own Self (Reprise)" - Nick "Finale" - Company Which of these audition songs for Something Rotten did you choose? (Nick, Nigel, Troupe), Shakespeare- SHAKESPEARE - bottom of pg 58 - 60, DANCE/SINGING CALLBACKS - Monday November 14th, CALLBACKS FOR TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15TH WILL BE POSTED AFTER MONDAY'S CALLBACKS. That's it. The 2017 Stage Grok interview with the Kirkpatrick Brothers about Something Rotten! Something Rotten! A local soothsayer foretells that the future of theater involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time. The troupe performs a song for Lord Clapham, who is disgusted and deserts the troupe. Lord Clapham leaves, telling the brothers he is stopping their funds unless they have another play by the next morning. "She is not your typical Renaissance woman," Gesouras said. Drop the "3" and say the signature and you'll understand. Citrino has recently been working on a cruise ship. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Nostradamus references multiple different musicals such as Cats, Les Miserables, Avenue Q, Evita, A Chorus Line, South Pacific, and a ton more that I can't remember in the song A Musical where he predicts the future of musicals. Another positive of "Something Rotten," Woodill said, is the tap dancing. Lisa Radzanowski Tours and international productions have followed. Brother Jeremiah. Something Rotten! The news outrages Nick, as Shakespeare has already done Richard III, and the thought of going backwards seems absurd to him. : Devin France Shakespeare: Mike Lloy Bea: Katlyn Alcock Portia: Keri Bishop Nostradamus: Matt Moore Minstrel: Jenn Helsdon Brother Jeremiah: Glen McCann Lady Clapham: Abigail Veenstra . Video: Go Inside Rehearsal for CAMELOT on Broadway. When Nick sees her at work one day, she tells him that she is pregnant, thus putting more pressure on Nick that Bea is trying to take away. Kathleen Hornbacker (u/s Portia) "He is the head of the Puritans and the antagonist of the story," Hardin-Leeth said. Directed by Chris Brindley Music Direction by Bethany Aiken Choreography by Caroline Workman. The troupe performs a song for Lord Clapham (The Black Death), who is disgusted and deserts the troupe. Brother Jeremiah's passionate but dorky daughter. Brother Jeremiah: This is unacceptable I do not approve Portia: But I know you'll win him over His heart is gonna sing And he'll love you When you do your thing Nigel: If love is love purely Then let me opine That all love is surely divine Brother Jeremiah: Good God, y'all I see the light You changed how I'm thinking Cause I was blind And you . Study Guide Garry Shandling. He shows nothing but disrespect towards mainly everyone, but especially play writes like Nick and Nigel. Cast List on Broadway.com, the most comprehensive source for Broadway Shows, Broadway Tickets and Broadway Information. When you first meet Nick, you discover that he is a struggling writer who is hidden in the shadow of The Bard, aka Shakespeare. Will Bea be able to support herself and the Bottom Brothers? 10 or visit beckcenter.org. Kate Reinders (Portia), Brad Oscar (Nostradamus), Brooks Ashmanskas (Brother Jeremiah), Gerry Vichi (Shylock), Michael James Scott (Minstrel/Snug), Peter Bartlett (Lord Clapham/Eyepatch Man) First Preview!