Something Rotten, National Tour: A rebirth of musical comedy
Combine Shakespeare, the Renaissance and numerous musical references and the combination is Something Rotten, a delightfully funny night of theater.
Thinking back to high school literature class, many people still cringe at the thought of Shakespeare. Whether it was Hamlet, Richard III or the love-struck Romeo and Juliet, a few stanzas of iambic pentameter can make you nauseous or extremely jubilant. The musical, Something Rotten, now on a National Tour, takes that humorous look at the Renaissance literary world, including the infamous Shakespeare.
Something Rotten, National Tour, Ensemble, photo Jeremy Daniel, provided by Dr. Phillips Center
The premise of Something Rotten is that two brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom, are trying to create the next great play. As contemporaries to Shakespeare, they are forever in the Bard’s shadow. With some mystical help, the brothers debut a musical, Omelet. But the journey to the final production is much funnier than it sounds.
During Something Rotten National Tour’s stop at Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center, I had the opportunity to spend the evening laughing uncontrollably at this humorous musical. As a huge fan of musical theater, this musical offers numerous references to the absurdity of some of the most popular modern classics. Just the idea of a musical, where people sing instead of talk, can be a confusing premise.
Something Rotten, National Tour, Ensemble, photo Jeremy Daniel, provided by Dr. Phillips Center
The first act’s song, “A Musical” talks about just that idea. I lost count on the musical references. From Rent to Avenue Q to Annie, one song takes the audience on a musical theater history lesson. But the humor is so ingenious that you are laughing through every minute. Although the song somewhat makes fun of the audience for buying the musical presence, we enjoy every minute of the absurdity.
For this musical to endear itself to the audience, the leads need to be likable. Rob McClure, who plays Nick Bottom, is that guy who always wants more but with an easy fix. In the song “God, I Hate Shakespeare” everyone gets that envious feeling because we’ve all been there. Who doesn’t wish for someone else’s success, yet secretly wish to be like that successful person? McClure deftly balances yearning for more while trying to support all those around him.
Something Rotten, National Tour, Nick and Nigel Bottom,, photo Jeremy Daniel, provided by Dr. Phillips Center
Some of the biggest laughs come from Blake Hammond, Nostradamus. His quickfire references are a theater geek’s litmus test. If you can pick out all those references (I counted over 15), you know that you spend a lot of time at the theater. The character provides humor but he isn’t just a jester. There are subtle ways that he helps Nick Bottom to see the truth in his destiny.
The heart of the story is Josh Grisetti, Nigel Bottom. With his eloquent words, Nigel makes people change. The musical’s tender moments happen in his scenes. A few people might shiver at the words “To Thine Own Self.” Still, the emotional singing will have you re-thinking that classic phrase.
Something Rotten, National Tour, Shakespeare, photo Jeremy Daniel, provided by Dr. Phillips Center
One character, even when not on stage, is the force influencing everyone’s decisions. Shakespeare, love him, hate him or want to be him is perfectly played by Adam Pascal (yes, the original Rodger from Rent). When he takes the stage for “Will Power,” his instantly recognizable voice had the audience at rapt attention. Pascal gives Shakespeare a feeling bravado and brashness, almost like a Renaissance Mick Jagger, as he struts across the stage. His two musical numbers are not to be missed.
Something Rotten was a thoroughly entertaining evening of musical theater. Even if you have never seen a musical before, you will laugh a lot. The idea of a humorous, night of entertainment free from heavy messages is something that many people need right now. Sometimes looking at the absurdity of life can make everything seem just a little better.
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Something Rotten, the National Tour is playing Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando through April 29. The tour continues to other cities.