Review: 'Something Rotten' leaves a very good taste
FALMOUTH — If you’re like me, you’ve steered clear of New York City and crowded Broadway theaters since the beginning of the pandemic. Well, here’s manna from heaven for all lovers of Broadway and great theater. The Falmouth Theatre Guild’s current production of the musical comedy “Something Rotten!” is so full of unforgettable characters, expertly delivered one-liners, melodic and sometimes soaring musical numbers, energetic ensemble dance numbers and just plain fun that it’s like a trip to Broadway without the traffic. I promise you will regret missing this stellar offering on the Upper Cape.
Things to do on Cape Cod: From bird banding to poetry to lunch with Bach: Things to do on Cape April 28 to May 5
About the show: "Something Rotten!” book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, music and lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick, presented by the Falmouth Theatre Guild.
What it's about: In case you’ve ever wondered what the Renaissance/Elizabethan era was all about, here’s your answer. Your tour guides through the strange region are brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom. (Get it? NickBottom, like Shakespeare’s character in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”) Played by Alex Valentine and Drew Frayre respectively, the two less-than-successful playwrights are sick of moldering away in the massive shadow of the Bard and determined to do something about it. That’s the deceptively simple plot. But the show is full of twists and turns that would have made the Bard proud.
A minstrel (Cathy Lemay) opens the show weaving down the theater aisle singing “Welcome to the Renaissance.” Then the stage fills with the ensemble dressed in Elizabethan garb and dancing energetically, with a little rock music thrown in at the end of the number … just for good measure. The next number, “I Hate Shakespeare,” tells the whole story. At the front of the troupe is Valentine, whose voice offers a clear and resonant sample of what’s to come. As far as Nick is concerned, the Bard is “just a pompous little man who fakes humility when all he does is gloat.”
Determined to outdo Queen Elizabeth’s favorite, the two brothers bat around ideas, including “something really new, a flush toilet.” Stumped for an idea that will beat Shakespeare (Kiernon McDermott) at his own game and tired of being a starving (literally) artist, Nick consults Thomas Nostradamus (nephew of the great soothsayer) for an idea that will save them. Played hilariously by Peter Cook, the prognosticator comes onstage in a puff of colored smoke and is dressed in rags.
He lets the playwright know the next big thing will be a musical. And that’s the cue for the number “It’s a Musical,” with the ensemble coming onstage in modern dance garb and forming a high-kicking line at the end. (It’s almost impossible to say enough about the fun and fabulous dance numbers, thanks to the joint efforts of choreographer Heather Shepley and dance captain Crissy Condon.)
Science and art: Entering 'the twilight zone.' Woods Hole scientists, author team up on new children's book
Throughout the song, there are references to just about every classic musical in existence, with those fun tidbits also peppering a reprise of the number later in the show. Lines such as “we’ve got trouble” and “luck be a ladytonight” keep the audience laughing. Then there’s the line “How do you solve a problem like Ophelia?”
Highlights of the show: Singling out the highlights of the show is a nearly impossible task. All the characters are spot-on and their delivery of the sidesplitting one-liners is universally flawless. For example, Jodi Edwards as Nick’swife Bea is a delightfully high-spirited Elizabethan matron, with her flowing red hair and tight-fitting bodice. A feminist centuries before her time, she comments that the success of the virgin Queen Elizabeth proves that, “By the year 1600 women are going to be completely equal to men.” And her singing voice is asstrong and sure as her character portrayal. (Vocal director is Lynne Marshall and the music director is Michael Dunford.)
Where to eat on Cape Cod: Poll results: Readers choose Top 5 breakfast places worth waking up for on Cape Cod
Then there’s Will Shakespeare himself. McDermott plays him as an arrogant, slightly effeminate rock star packed in tight leather pants. In the number “It’s Hard to be the Bard,” the ensemble surrounds him like a bunch of groupies,waving candles like fans at a modern-day rock concert.
Go or no-go: As noted above, this is a must for anyone who truly appreciates a great night of musical theater.
Worth noting: The set, thanks to the work of set designer Bruce Allen and his crew is fun and colorful. (Who knew the streets of 16th-century London were so brightly hued?)
Interesting fact: Theater historians have theorized for centuries that some of Shakespeare’s works were produced by other playwrights. Now we know who those playwrights were. (Just kidding!)
If you go: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through May 14. Falmouth Theatre Guild, 58 Highfield Drive, Falmouth, 508-548-0400, www.falmouththeatreguild.org, tickets: $30 adults, $28 seniors, $25 under 18.
Don’t miss the Cape Cod news that matters. Sign up for our free newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Review: Falmouth Theatre Guild shares the fun with 'Something Rotten'
