“Something Rotten!” is a Joyful Jolt

of Goofiness for The Muny’s Closer

         by Pat Lindsey

         Welcome to the Renaissance! A show set in London in 1595 doesn’t sound like a typical sensational Muny season finale, but “Something Rotten!” is really something hilarious.   Writers Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell have, thankfully, eliminated British accents and drab 16th century clothing and transformed William Shakespeare into a narcissistic rock star who wears black leather pants. Will (Jacob Dickey) reigns supreme in the village while the Bottom Brothers, Nick (Matt Doyle) and Nigel (Will Burton), try to compete for a piece of the literary action.

Nick and Nigel have been struggling to keep their little theatre company afloat while Nick searches for inspiration and the next big thing for the British theatre world. Nick takes the little bit of money he and his wife, Bea (Bryonha Marie), have managed to save and goes to the seedy part of London to seek some ideas about the future of the theatre from a soothsayer named Nostradamus (Jen Cody).

Nostradamus is a raggedy wench who blurts out key words whenever they enter her mind. One of those words is “musical.” She explains that a musical is play in which the dialogue is replaced by song. Nick is outraged by this idiotic idea and bursts into song in protest. The song, “A Musical,” follows with snippets of songs from “Annie,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Rent,” and others, as well as a huge chorus line of tap dancers. The show also spoofs various musicals such as, “Cats,” “West Side Story,” and “Phantom of the Opera.” It’s funny. It’s clever. It’s downright goofy.

Nostradamus tries to predict what Shakespeare will write next, but doesn’t quite get it right. Instead of “Hamlet,” she sees Omelette with some ham and Danish. Nigel thinks a show called “Omelette” is stupid and continues to write sonnets and his own play, which is actually the beginning of “Hamlet.” Will shows up on the set disguised as an actor in order to steal Nigel’s notes, which he later plagiarizes. A lot of tedious commotion takes place in Act II and then Nigel leaves for awhile to pursue his love interest, Portia (Elizabeth Teeter), the daughter of a Puritan, Brother Jeremiah (Lara Teeter). If this sounds complicated, it’s not. The audience just goes with the flow and laughs often at all of the silliness.

The music and dialogue are as snappy as the dancing–tap, the Pony, the Twist, the Swim, and every other dance from the 20th century that Choreographer Parker Esse could add for fun and frolic. Big, beautiful voices deliver the original songs written by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick. The 16th century costumes by DW are colorfully detailed. And the revolving sets designed by Edward E. Haynes, Jr. take us to merry olde England and Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Director Rob Ruggiero has done a masterful job of combining a huge cast of all ages with a show that somehow is a mash-up of 16th century London and contemporary Broadway. As off-putting as the title of this show can be, “Something Rotten!” fits The Muny’s format of ending its season with a sensational production that will make us even more excited for Season 109. The announcement of the 2027 lineup will be on Dec. 2.

“Something Rotten!” has all the requisites for a Broadway production–singing, dancing, romance, conflict, snappy dialogue, and comedy.   (This one also has some curse words and sexual innuendos, making it an adult show.) Laughter is good for the soul, so make “Something Rotten!” your final summer splurge and don’t end up with egg on your face. “Something Rotten!” will be performed on The Muny stage through Aug. 23. Tickets are still available at muny.org or by calling The Muny Box Office at 314-53

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