This week, Cincinnati Landmark Productions opens Something Rotten! playing until November 10 at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts. Something Rotten! features two brothers who set out to write the world’s first musical in this hilarious mash-up of sixteenth-century Shakespeare and twenty-first-century Broadway.
The Story of Something Rotten!
Set in the 1590s, 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.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. 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.
Performances
From the first moment of teasing the audience with his presence in the song “Welcome to the Renaissance,” it is evident that Christopher Wells’ performance as Shakespeare is sure to steal the show. His accent and facials perfectly encapsulate the rock star villain created by writers Kirkpatrick and Farrell. Featuring killer vocals in “Hard to be the Bard” and fantastic tap skills in “Bottom’s Gonna Be on Top” this role is perfect to showcase Wells’ many talents.
Another stand out performance comes from Cami Caldwell as Bea. New to the CLP stage, Caldwell brings to life the strong female lead with her no-nonsense attitude and perfect comedic timing. Caldwell has quickly become a formidable force and is sure to be seen on CLP stages for many shows to come.
Something Rotten! features an incredible ensemble whose vocals take the show to a new level. Between the band of actors performing the Bottom Brother’s shows and the Bards Girls there isn’t a moment of the show that is lacking entertainment and talent. Every second of the show is full of over the top performances that will have you laughing and clapping the entire evening. Even scene changes feature eye-catching moments of characterization that shows the dedication and skills of these actors.
Other notable performances include Trey Finkenstead as Shylock, a jewish moneylender who loves theatre and desperately wants to invest in the Bottom Brothers’ shows. Finkenstead brings hilarious physicality to the role, bringing the minor character to the spotlight. Jerrod Gruber brings the same hilarity to the role of Brother Jeremiah, a puritan who finds the way of theatre and the arts sinful. Along with his noteworthy acting chops, he brings stellar vocals to “We See the Light.”
Leadership
Director, Jay Goodlett has brought together an incredible cast. This production flows so seamlessly audiences will be completely immersed in the world of the show. There is a rock concert each time Shakespeare graces the stage and feels the shame of the judgmental puritan glances. Goodlett, choreographer Tina Dealderete and music director Greg Dastillung, are truly the dream team. Dealderete’s choreography highlights the strengths of each cast member allowing for showstopping musical numbers. Dastillung must have worked overtime with this cast. The vocals from the ensemble are some of the best we’ve heard all season! As a trio, Goodlett, Dealderete and Dastillung ensure this production will live on in audiences heads for seasons to come.
Overall
Overall, the production is a must see! If you want an evening full of laughter and entertainment this is the show for you. The light-hearted writing and fantastic casting of this production make it perfect for the theatre lover and the theatre newbie.
Tickets to Something Rotten!
Something Rotten! runs through November 10th 2024. Covedale Center for the Performing Arts is at 4990 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45238. Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office, online at HTTPS://WWW.CINCINNATILANDMARKPRODUCTIONS.COM/, or by calling 513-241-6550.
